With the editing of my first novel many years ago, I was really sensitive about any critique, the reason being that I was playing God–innocently, but still… I felt an oppressive responsibility to keep the story in existence. It was hard work! Every input, however accurate, small, or obvious, was a threat of annihilation to my story. In reality, and what I have begun to truly appreciate, editing is an opportunity to hone that story, to communicate that story, and to work closely with another person. It gives that rare uplifting experience of other-self, the vision clearly outlined in the beautiful, functioning mind of another person!