A Constant Work In Progress
I frequently go back and edit my work. There are times I've been absolutely dedicated to a piece, totally embittered by the fact that it didn't sweep some editor off their feet, only to go back and see that it was...not good. Sometimes, it's just flat out really bad- like, hide your face in your hands cringy. That's happened enough times to teach me that it's a good idea to set a piece to the side and look at it with fresh eyes. If my gut tells me it's unfinished, it probably is. If my gut tells that it is great, glorious art that will change the tides of humanity and inspire artists for generations to come...then I definitely need to set it aside and revisit it many, many, more times.
I was an English nerd growing up so I was always more than willing to write rough draft, second draft, third draft (if needed), final version. I got used to doing that so I still do it today and make changes the entire way. It helps with clarity and aids in correcting simple mistakes that can take away from the piece.
Another person suggesting edits...depends on who it is. If it's someone I view as an authority on the matter, like a teacher, mentor or a friend who "gets it", I'm pretty open to suggestion. If the suggested edit is on an intentional mistake (because I'm trying to be artsy or edgy or something dumb like that), I can get pretty sassy. I can also get really defensive of my ideas if I feel like the suggestion being made to me would completely change the direction of what I'm trying to do.
Thanks for the food for thought!