: Re: Editors: Edit on first read, or read and edit on second round? I edit novels (among other works). I was having a discussion with someone (not an editor) who didn't understand my technique.

@Hamaas631

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I will pile onto the "both methods will work" bandwagon, with a qualification.

Your first impressions are important enough that they should be preserved if possible, even if any concerns are addressed later.

For example, you provide a comment that you struck once the question was answered:

"Is there a reason that Dave went to the deli?"

In that case, rather than striking the comment, I would modify it to something like:

"I was wondering why Dave went to the deli. Insert additional commentary, such as 'Good hook' or 'Seemed irrelevant at the time, but good job maintaining continuity' or 'You could have telegraphed a little more/less with this'"

That can provide a hint to the author on the value or impact of his decision. Basically, if you noticed it, the author's decision was noteworthy in some way and merits consideration.

Obviously, some comments will offer very little value after a complete reading. Strike those. However, a lot of times, a comment that was rendered moot by further reading can be rendered insightful by further consideration.

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