Walter Murch, one of the greatest editors of all time, wrote In the Blink of an Eye, a book that became essential reading for editors. Then, when digital editing took over the industry, he had to update it. Even a master like Murch—who revolutionized the craft—had more to learn. That’s the paradox of editing: no matter how much you know, there’s always more to discover. And while that might sound frustrating, it’s one of my favorite parts.
Every editor chases perfection, but perfection is a moving target. What feels like a flawless cut today might make you cringe a few months down the line. If you’re waiting for the day you feel “good enough” as an editor, you’ll be waiting forever. Growth never stops, and honestly, that’s kind of awesome. It means you’re always improving, and always picking up new tricks to make your edits better.
Ever dug up an old project and thought, who let me do this? Yeah, same. That’s not a sign you were bad back then—it’s proof that you’re better now. As you take on more projects, your storytelling instincts sharpen, your technical skills improve, and your confidence grows. It’s like leveling up in a video game, but instead of earning new armor, you just get way better at pacing and knowing when to cut a shot half a second earlier. You might not notice the growth day-to-day, but trust me, it’s happening.
But growth doesn’t just happen over years—it happens in real time. Sometimes, I'll step away from an edit, only to come back a few days later and suddenly see what needs to change. That’s because distance is like a magic reset button for your brain. Even when you’re not actively editing, your subconscious is still working on the problem. Taking a break, getting feedback, or even just binge-watching something completely unrelated can shift your perspective in ways that make you a better editor right now, not just years down the road.
If you always feel like you could do better, congrats—you’re exactly where you need to be. Because, the best editors aren’t the ones who think they’ve mastered everything; they’re the ones who keep evolving. Instead of chasing the illusion of being “good enough,” embrace where you are today. The editor you are right now is a core part of the editor you’re becoming. Editing isn’t about reaching some final, all-knowing status—it’s about constantly refining your craft, surprising yourself, and (let’s be real) geeking out over a perfectly timed cut.