Fast isn't bad.

Fast isn't bad.

Adapted from the original blog on Write Wiser.

In the writing world, you can write fast, and it can be outstanding.

Even “quick and dirty” is good. Just don't publish it without a polish!

Here are 2 truths:

  • Great writers can turn work around fast.
  • Great writers don't need an editor.

But those 2 sentences can't be true simultaneously.

A female-presenting writer in a red sweatshirt and glasses sits at a desk, with her head in her hands, looking down at crumpled pieces of paper.

Imagine this:

You hired a copywriter to redo your homepage. How long did they take?

  1. In case 1, you asked for it “by tomorrow”. It has a typo or 10. There are missed links. The lead flow might even be interrupted. If you give them a proofreader or team them up with another writer, most of that will be fixed.
  2. In case 2, you give them a week to propose a homepage rewrite, with no editor or proofer. In that time, they come up with 2 coherent proposals. The idea flows, you’re compelled to scroll down, and there are call-outs for imagery to strengthen the copy’s message.

This is the power of being able to self-edit.

4 young writers of different races group around a laptop, smiling and pointing.

Self-editing skills vs. teamwork

If you're a one-person show like me, it takes time between writing and editing to do both well.

Many writers will tell you they let their work rest, then come back to it and review after a couple of days. At a bare minimum, 1 consultation with the pillow needs to happen!

Need quick and not-dirty? Pair your writers with an editor or lower your expectations. 2 minds are essential for fast work.

What do you prefer:

Time, or a team?

Joy Fashagba

Ghost Writer | I Help Small Businesses and Creatives Do Big Things From a Small Place with Great Content Writing ?? | STORYTELLER Small brands/Creatives do have great stories and insights to share with the world!

10 个月

Lol writers aren’t robots. I’m one of those writers that write and take a walk or something and then come back to polish it. If you want fast then hire an editor like Nadine said. But then what do you think about working with editors, are you okay with that?

Flor Maria Cruz

I help renewable energy & biodiversity leaders design pitches that take their big ideas straight to the bank | Linkedin Ghostwriter | Mad Men obsessed.

10 个月

I never thought of this that way, Nadine Heir. To hire someone to go over my writing. It's a great idea and very true. If you want fast and good, you need someone else on board. Thanks for the tip.

回复
Robert Younger

Creating Winning Strategies | Accelerating Growth | Driving Change

10 个月

Speed can sometimes be our best friend... Or our worst enemy... It partially depends on what the requirements are for our work right?

Renee Lynn Frojo ?

The most collaborative content strategist & storyteller for purpose-led people & brands ?? I help you get clear on your narrative, build a sustainable content engine & become memorable.

10 个月

A good healthy mix, perhaps?

Darina I.

Holistic Brand Strategy & Copywriting for Sustainable, Green, & Ethical Brands. Passionate about People, Planet, Purpose, (and Sustainable Profit??) | Human-Centric Copy | Conversion Optimization | Research | Consulting

10 个月

Time. Any day. But if I'm in a hurry, then a second set of eyes. When I first started, speed was something I was told was needed to stand out. But I noticed that to produce quality work, it takes time. 3 years down the line, and I now understand why so much copy out there is lousy. Some agencies focus on quantity and forget about quality.

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