23Avoid Writing by Committee
Having a buddy by your side is helpful. Having an entire committee on your back? Not so much.
Writing is often like parenting: Everyone believes they know how to do it effectively (especially those who don't have children). If your writing is subject to committee or client approvals, here's some advice on how to neuter the know-it-alls and mean-wells:
- Get sign-off on the bones of the outline, then start writing. (You can often avoid a lot of angst this way.)
- Set clear expectations for how many rounds are acceptable in the approval process. One is fine. Five? Nope.
- Seek an OK, not opinions. Please approve is likely to deliver far fewer edits than will please tell me if you have suggestions.
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