This is tip #6 of 10 in my series for new screenwriters to learn the craft from the pros. Today’s topic is one of my passions…
Pro tip #6 - EDIT RELENTLESSLY
“The first draft of anything is shit.” — Ernest Hemingway
Edit relentlessly.
Your first draft is just the beginning. Revise and refine your script until it's polished and ready for production.
DON’T edit what you wrote yesterday. Just hammer through the story, and THEN get to the real work: Editing.
Here are some tips from the pros:
Take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
Look for inconsistencies, plot holes, and pacing issues.
Seek feedback from trusted peers and professionals.
“…Your first draft is just the beginning. Revise and refine your script until it's polished and ready for production” — Stuart Heimdal
Editing is the refining process that transforms a rough draft into a polished gem.
Step away from your script for a while to detach emotionally, then return with a critical eye. Look for inconsistencies, pacing issues, and areas where clarity can be improved.
Embrace the opportunity to sculpt your work into its best possible form, recognizing that the true artistry often emerges during the editing stage.
Write, write, write…
#ScreenplayEditing
PS - I wrote a quote book about screenwriting. A treasure trove of screenwriting goodness…