“To write is human, to edit is divine.”
“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”
― both quotes from Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
I agree wholeheartedly that when you’re in your first rough draft, keep the door closed, i.e., don’t let others see it until it’s had time to “cook” on the page.
But after that first draft, it’s time to get tough-skinned and be willing to allow another trusted writer or editor to go over your writing and help you tighten it, with a keen eye for what to keep in and what to throw out. This is what separates amateurs from seasoned writers.
Remember, every story you’ve ever read since you were six years old had the input of an editor intermingled with the author’s words throughout.
Writing is Rewriting. Hemingway was write … I mean, right.
Let's Write! Creative Writing Services -- Valerie Serrano, Editor, Book Coach 