Editing should be, especially in the case of old writers, a counseling rather than a collaborating task. The tendency of the writer-editor to collaborate is natural, but he should say to himself, How can I help this writer to say it better in his own style? and avoid How can I show him how I would write it, if it were my piece?

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of editing as a supportive and guiding process rather than imposing the editor's own style on the writer's work. It suggests that rather than attempting to rewrite the piece in their own way, editors should focus on understanding the writer's unique style and helping them express their ideas more effectively within that framework. By adopting a counseling role, the editor can assist the writer in improving their work while preserving their individual voice and expression.

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