The Artful Edit: On the Practice of Editing Yourself

Artful advice for close readers, writers

Susan Bell offers fresh insight on the problems that bedevil every writer. The sections on the editing collaboration between F. Scott Fitzgerald & Maxwell Perkins for The Great Gatsby are especially inspiring for writers and good readers.

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An essential book for the serious writer (and/or editor).

Ms. Bell shares her deep understanding (and love) of editing in a lively and thought-provoking style. She touches on virtually every facet of editing, including the often overlooked topic of "macro-editing" (read: seeing and the big picture). She makes copious use of F. Scott's Fitzgerald's own editing of The Great Gatsby, illustrating how astute revisions can help create a masterpiece. If nothing else, it's comforting to know that even a great writer doesn't always get it right the first time. I've read many books on writing, and this is one of the best, hands down.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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