One of the most common mistakes I see writers make is this: they start editing before they finish writing.

If you are trying to grow a business, publish a book, or establish yourself as a thought leader, editing too soon will slow your progress and drain your confidence. The creative mind and the critical mind use different energy. When you mix them in the same session, you stop the flow.

Imagine a child playing with blocks. She builds a beautiful tower, then suddenly knocks it over and starts again. Over and over, she builds and destroys. That is what many adults do to their writing. They write a sentence, then delete it. They get a few ideas on the page, then criticize them. The joy disappears. So does the clarity.

The first draft is meant to be messy. It is not supposed to be publishable. It is supposed to exist. That is the win.

At Story Mountain Media, we encourage all of our clients to write forward. Save the editing for a separate time. Give your ideas room to grow. Give your voice permission to come through without interruption.

Whether you are writing your first book or your fifth, the process is the same. Let the story take shape. Let the message land. Then, once the draft is done, shift into editing mode with structure, support, and purpose.

You do not have to get it perfect. You just have to get it written.

Need help with your draft?

Our team helps authors write, edit, publish, and promote books that change lives and grow businesses. If you are struggling with self-editing, structure, or clarity, we are here to help.

Schedule a free call to get personalized guidance:
 https://calendly.com/jodydyer/free-first-consultation

You do not have to write alone. You just have to begin.

Jody Dyer

Founder and CEO, Story Mountain Media