Dr Johnson on editing – quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)
From The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell
Miss Adams: “Do you think, Sir, you could make your Ramblers better?”
Johnson: “Certainly I could.”
Boswell: “I’ll lay a bet, Sir, you cannot.”
Johnson: “But I will, Sir, if I choose. I shall make the best of them you shall pick out, better.”
Boswell: “But you may add to them. I will not allow of that.”
Johnson: “Nay, Sir, there are three ways of making them better; –putting out –adding –or correcting.”
photo credit: dolldalera via photopin cc
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Wonderful advice on editing…The trick is knowing what to put out, what to add and well, most needs correcting (in my case). 🙂
Ah, that’s the trick we all need to learn (and keep on learning)! I like the way the great Doctor gives equal emphasis to every aspect of editing – sometimes new writers think it’s all about cutting when adding is usually just as important.l..