If I’m working directly with a writer, the first thing I tell them is, “I don’t make changes because I think your work is bad. I make changes because I support your work and want to help it shine.”

As a fellow writer, I completely understand the heart, thought, and effort that goes into each written piece. So it can be tough to have a colleague, or even a stranger, jump in and put red ink all over your work. But the truth is, you can’t be a professional writer without having your work edited. That’s just how it goes.

And honestly? Even the best writers benefit from a second pair of eyes reviewing their work. Because perfection is a myth, and we can all use whatever help we can get.

I love to talk with a writer about why I made the changes I did, and I welcome their feedback. Even if I don’t have access to communicate with them directly, I try to make sure that they get positive feedback for their work to go with the changes.

Whether their work requires a simple proof, revisions for structure and flow, or a near-total rewrite, I balance my effort between two goals: to give my client or employer a piece that meets their expectations, while also honoring the unique voice of the writer.