A ruthless editor is the secret to exceptional writing
You can be the best writer in the world, but if you don’t have an editor, your work will only ever be half as strong as it could be.
Writing and editing are two entirely different skills. Just because someone can write compelling prose doesn’t mean they can refine it with the necessary objectivity. And even if they can, editing your own work is like trying to see your reflection in a fogged-up mirror.
You’re too close to it. You’ve spent hours (or days, or weeks) shaping every sentence, meaning the obvious errors slip straight past you.
That’s where an editor comes in. And not just any editor - a ruthless one.
The devil on your shoulder (who has your best interests at heart)
A good editor is the voice in your ear questioning every decision. Do you need that sentence? Could this paragraph be tighter? Are you waffling? They’re the devil sitting on your shoulder, challenging you to strip away the excess and leave only what’s essential.
They’re not there to massage your ego or tell you what a fantastic writer you are - they’re there to make sure your work actually works.
As a writer, you feel every word. As an editor, you question every decision. And it’s that combination that takes a piece from decent to outstanding.
Editing feels personal (but it isn’t)
There’s no sugarcoating it - being critiqued is tough. You’ve poured your time, energy, and creativity into your writing, only for someone to come along with a (metaphorical) red pen, slashing sentences and questioning your choices.
It’s natural to feel defensive or even disheartened.
But here’s the truth: the best editors aren’t doing this to tear you down. They’re doing it to build your work up.
Unlike your mum or your bestie, who might tell you your writing is brilliant because they love and support you, an editor’s job isn’t to reassure you. It’s to be brutally honest, to point out the weak spots, and to push you beyond what you thought you were capable of.
That can be uncomfortable. But discomfort is often where the magic happens.
Think about how growth works in any other area - whether it’s fitness, learning a new skill, or refining a craft. Improvement comes from pushing past comfort, and from questioning your own limitations. A ruthless editor forces you to do that with your writing. They hold up a mirror and make you see what’s really there, not just what you hoped you put on the page.
Writing without editing is like staging without lighting
You might have the best script in the world, but if no one can see the performance properly, it loses its impact.
Writing is the act of creation; editing is what makes it shine.
That’s why the best books, articles, and marketing copy you’ve ever read have all been through a rigorous editorial process. Even world-class authors don’t rely solely on their own judgment - they have an editor who challenges them, tightens their structure, and ensures their words pack the maximum punch.
Editors are there to challenge you, but that challenge is always rooted in a desire to help you create the best possible version of your work. They’re not malicious. They’re not out to make you feel inadequate. They’re giving you the honest, unbiased feedback that no one else will - because that’s what you’re paying them to do.
The balance of brutality and support
A good editor isn’t just ruthless; they’re precise. They don’t hack away at your words for the sake of it - they make strategic cuts and offer targeted suggestions that strengthen your work.
And just as importantly, they recognise what’s working.
A skilled editor knows when to tell you, “This is great - keep it.” Because editing isn’t just about removing the bad; it’s about amplifying the good.
So, while an editor might make you question your choices and rethink your structure, their role is ultimately to refine, not demolish. If they’re doing their job well, you should walk away not just with a better piece of writing, but with a sharper understanding of your own craft.
The best writers know they need editors
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: Writing without editing is unfinished work.
Whether it’s website copy, a novel, or a blog post, the editing process is what polishes your message, removes distractions, and ensures the impact lands.
So if you’re serious about producing high-quality content, find an editor who will push you - one who’s ruthless, objective, and committed to making your work the best it can be.
Because good writing isn’t just about what you say. It’s about making sure every single word earns its place.
Want an expert editor to refine your copy and make your words work harder? Take a look at my content review services.
