As an editor, the title of this slim volume Edit is a Four-Letter Word by Glynis Scrivens caught my eye on the new book display in my local library. It is a guide for fiction writers on how to edit their own work, but still relevant to all writers.

Here are some messages I liked from the author and other writers in the book:

• Edit is a four-letter word which requires other four-letter words: hard work, task, slog, pain and time.
• Editing is all about creating a good first impression.
• Aim for maximum impact with minimum words.
• A badly edited piece of work will appear to be poorly written.
• Language is your tool – use it wisely.
• 90% of writing is rewriting.
• Editing will transform your first draft.

For fiction writers, “edit” is the only path to other four-letter words: book deal, sale, cash and fame.

Writers can and should edit their own work and a professional editor can add even more value. See my January 2015 blog on How to edit your own work.