Published September 28, 2025

Something a writer will hear early and often at the start of their career is, “Learn the rules before you try to break them.” I can’t say I disagree.

The problem is, many of the editors who give that advice never think it’s good to break a rule. Their world, and reason for being, would come crashing down around them if you did. And especially if they did.

Every time I revisit the writing of someone worth reading, I’m reminded that before I ever heard of them, they learned that it’s fine to break the rules. That’s why I ever heard of them. They have a voice, and it’s not one that a rule book could ever replace.

Once an editor lets go of the notion of “right” and “wrong” and realizes it’s all about what’s best for the reader in that sentence, in that story, in that context, in that writer’s voice, it’s impossible to revert to reflexive rule enforcement for the sake of rule enforcement.

Help the reader understand. Help the writer help the reader understand, and hope that you allow them both to enjoy the ride along the way. Otherwise, what are we doing? Training an algorithm to replace us?

I break “rules” all the time. I work for the reader, not for a grumpy editor who exists to trim this 312-word blog post to 304 words.

I’ve got strong opinions about this because prescriptive, heavy-handed editing is not the future, and it’s not even the present. When an editor realizes this, the editing life they save may be their own.

Protect your peace. Sending love.

♥

Thank you

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