That Content Editing Feel
I have spent countless hours self-editing since I first self-published in 2017, and along the way, I have learned a great deal. One big thing is that content editing is a left-brain process that requires a peaceful atmosphere and relaxation. On the other hand, actual editing (typing, grammar, story logic, flow, and spelling) is a technical activity requiring intense concentration and a focused mind.
What does content editing feel like? The answer is nothing; complete blankness. I have learned the very hard way that when I am angry, upset, preoccupied, tired, hungry, bored, or frustrated, then my editing ability flies out the window. So, if I sense any hesitation, I immediately stop. Learning this warning sign took an enormous amount of effort to undo the damage.
Editing for content feels like I am running on automatic and have become a passenger watching my story from 30,000 feet. All my words absently enter my mind, and once processed, they are corrected if needed. That’s it. There is no excitement, joy, anger, or reaction. I am like the unemotional Terminator. Well, this is not entirely true. I get upset when I discover a big mistake.
I stop editing for content when I notice I am no longer in the blank mindset. Sometimes this occurs when I uncover a significant issue. Sometimes after this occurs, I can switch to a different document, and the blank slate returns.
What is the difference between content editing and writing? When I write, the feeling is adventurous, engaging, forward-thinking, and focused. My mindset is 20% on the last sentence, 30% on the overall topic (story), 10% on the upcoming sentence, and 40% on the present sentence. Grammar, spelling, sentence structure, story, plot, and other super-important aspects? Yeah, I’ll get to those later.
Writing is a right-brain activity, which means I am tightly focused and thoroughly focused on my words. Yet my stories are all left-brain, meaning they are idealistic and thought-provoking. So, how does that work? Umm. I will get back to you on that when I understand it myself.
When I am not content editing, I have a specific editing goal—for example, locating grammar errors. However, I sometimes edit for fun (not content or goal editing), which feels like reading. Or is this security? By security, I mean maintaining a “warm fuzzy” feeling that the document is ready for others to read.
What about professional editors? I have no clue how they work their magic. If somebody forced me to be an editor, I would be terrible because I could never get into the required zen. Meaning, I could never form an objective opinion about another person’s content. Granted, I occasionally edit other people’s work, but that is more mechanical with a technical focus.
Since my first draft of my first book, I found content editing enjoyable. Yet, locating a mistake has blown me out of that mood so many times. The worst mistakes are the ones I keep repeating. And yes, that keeps me awake at night.
You’re the best -Bill
September 22, 2021 Updated February 14, 2026
What does content editing feel like? The answer is nothing; complete blankness. I have learned the very hard way that when I am angry, upset, preoccupied, tired, hungry, bored, or frustrated, then my editing ability flies out the window. So, if I sense any hesitation, I immediately stop. Learning this warning sign took an enormous amount of effort to undo the damage.
Editing for content feels like I am running on automatic and have become a passenger watching my story from 30,000 feet. All my words absently enter my mind, and once processed, they are corrected if needed. That’s it. There is no excitement, joy, anger, or reaction. I am like the unemotional Terminator. Well, this is not entirely true. I get upset when I discover a big mistake.
I stop editing for content when I notice I am no longer in the blank mindset. Sometimes this occurs when I uncover a significant issue. Sometimes after this occurs, I can switch to a different document, and the blank slate returns.
What is the difference between content editing and writing? When I write, the feeling is adventurous, engaging, forward-thinking, and focused. My mindset is 20% on the last sentence, 30% on the overall topic (story), 10% on the upcoming sentence, and 40% on the present sentence. Grammar, spelling, sentence structure, story, plot, and other super-important aspects? Yeah, I’ll get to those later.
Writing is a right-brain activity, which means I am tightly focused and thoroughly focused on my words. Yet my stories are all left-brain, meaning they are idealistic and thought-provoking. So, how does that work? Umm. I will get back to you on that when I understand it myself.
When I am not content editing, I have a specific editing goal—for example, locating grammar errors. However, I sometimes edit for fun (not content or goal editing), which feels like reading. Or is this security? By security, I mean maintaining a “warm fuzzy” feeling that the document is ready for others to read.
What about professional editors? I have no clue how they work their magic. If somebody forced me to be an editor, I would be terrible because I could never get into the required zen. Meaning, I could never form an objective opinion about another person’s content. Granted, I occasionally edit other people’s work, but that is more mechanical with a technical focus.
Since my first draft of my first book, I found content editing enjoyable. Yet, locating a mistake has blown me out of that mood so many times. The worst mistakes are the ones I keep repeating. And yes, that keeps me awake at night.
You’re the best -Bill
September 22, 2021 Updated February 14, 2026
