Editing can turn a good book into a long-lasting classic. Example:
MemFox wrote her first draft for the internationally acclaimed Possum Magic in 1978 during a course in children’s literature at Flinders University. Nine publishers rejected the draft over a five year period. When it was accepted by Omnibus Books in Adelaide they asked Fox to reduce the 4½ page book, then entitled Hush the Invisible Mouse, by two thirds and to change the mice to Australian animals to place emphasis on her Australian theme. Possum Magic is now one of the most recognised picture book within Australia and has sold over 3 million copies world wide. (I got this from Wikipedia).

Interesting about Possum Magic above.

Having just had my fix of Gordon Ramsey for the week (he hardly swore tonight - refreshing) it was very insightful in taking on board criticism.

No one is very graceful about it - but heck, it is strong and powerful to take it on board and move forward - good on you. I am proud!

jeanie’s last blog post..The Stolen Puppy Post

I only caught both posts today. Congratulations for tackling a difficult task head on. (And how many rejections did J K Rowling get before someone finally took on Harry Potter? And are all those people KICKING THEMSELVES IN THE ARSE for now and all eternity?)

Janet’s last blog post..“Home”ward Bound

It’s always painful to part with the words we’ve toiled over, but I believe that thinning it out allows the essence to come out, purifies the work.

Of course, that doesn’t make it suck any less when someone tells us we need to do that. But I’m sure it made an already amazing book even better.