Robert Heinlein’s Rules for Writing
1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.
These rules appeared in the 1947 essay “On the Writing of Speculative Fiction” by Robert A. Heinlein and I agree with all of them save for number three. I tend to find my first drafts fairly ragged. The magic happens in the rewrites. I would hate to send a first draft out to market. But, based on my own experience, I think we can interpret this rule as:
“When a professional editor tells you to change a story, do so.”
After all, the editor probably has a far greater understanding of what sells in his particular market. Don’t be precious. If they ask you to change something, they almost certainly have a very good reason for the request.
I’ve always seen #3 interpreted as refraining from rewrite unless the guy telling you to make changes is going to give you money. I also believe that rewrite is different from polish.
I find it helpful to be up front with students about our Essay Writing Rules. Check out my list at Essay Rules.