So, this is fascinating. Even the apostle Paul needed an editing team.

The brilliant guys from The Bible Project explained in this video that Paul bounced his ideas off of his fellow missionary partners (like Timothy and Silvanus who he mentions in his letters). Ancient letter-writing wasn’t sitting down at the end of a busy day to scratch out a few ideas. It was an expensive and time-consuming process, since not everyone could read and write.

So, when Paul was ready to write his letter, he gathered together his team of missionary partners and hired a scribe to write down his ideas. Then, they would create several drafts until the whole team agreed on its content.

Further proof that writing is not a solitary venture. Even the greats need a writing and editing team.

As much as I love this interesting tidbit, though, it doesn’t take away the fact that editing is hard. You’re exposing your work to someone else. You’re guaranteed to get it back bleeding. And if you’re not careful, the manuscript won’t be the only thing wounded.

Sensitive souls, like yours truly, find the editing process brutal because of its impact on our sense of worth and purpose. Thoughts like, “Am I kidding myself thinking I’m a writer?” or “This is embarrassing. I should have caught those mistakes" bounce around in my head for days or even weeks.

The truth, however, is that a bruised manuscript is not because of a lack of talent. In fact, it's the sign of a smart writer willing to take her craft seriously.

This resonated with me a few months ago when I handed my manuscript with shaking hands to my husband. Every time he picked it up, I grew insecure and anxious--until one day while reading the book of Proverbs.

I read Proverbs 15: 22 : “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

YES.

Editing was counsel. My book has a greater likelihood of succeeding if I get more eyes on it.

And sure enough, my husband’s feedback propelled my book in a healthier direction. (It’s still in a too-early-for-a-professional-editor phase.)

If you’re like me and need the extra reminders that editing matters, then I found several more Proverbs to reinforce this point. I hope they encourage you and if you’re a visual kind of a person, I also created printable cards you can hang around your house or desk to remind you. (If you're also like me, I included some verses on anxiety because writing a book is stressful.)

Verses to Remember while Editing

Proverbs 10: 17

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,

but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 13:10

By insolence comes nothing but strife,

but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

Proverbs 15:5

A fool despises his father's instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 12:11

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

Proverbs 14:23

In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Verses to Trust God in the Editing Process

Isaiah 26:3

You keep him in perfect peace

whose mind is stayed on you,

because he trusts in you.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 9:10

And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.