I recently read an insightful article on ChristianWritingToday.com that, 
even though it was posted five years ago, is more relevant—and necessary—for today’s Christian writers than ever: Even Spirit-Led Authors Need an Editor.
That’s right. Not everything a Christian writer produces is publishable—not in a first draft, anyway. Writing can be enjoyable and inspired—but it can also be hard work!
In his article, Donald L. Hughes points out that “Many Christian authors believe they get their message from God, so they think they don’t need an editor .” However, “God works though people, and people are imperfect.” How true, yet how many authors don’t pause to consider this before submitting or self-publishing?
By the way, did you notice the typo in that quote above? “God works though people” should be “through people.” How ironically illustrative is that?! 🙂 (While it existed at the time this post was published, that typo in the original article has since been corrected.)
Hughes goes on to emphasize that editing does not mean shredding your work, but revising it. He explains the different types of editors and levels of editing and why you might choose one over the other. He also highlights why it’s so important that Christian writers choose Christian editors.
In conclusion, whether your story was a gift from God or not, writers need to take responsibility for publishing the best work they can create. If you’ve ever been tempted to preserve your story exactly as it poured from your keyboard or pen, take a step back to reconsider the importance of revising and polishing. God gives us resources to use intelligently. Write and revise, edit and proofread like a professional—and in the end, your inspired words will shine brighter than ever.
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Tags: Christian editing, Christian editor, Christian fiction proofreaders, Christian novel proofreaders, Christian proofreaders, Christian proofreading