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Freakonomics Radio · August 26, 2026 · 42:42

"I Trust Almost Anyone More Than Myself" | Better in Person

Jennifer Egan
Show Notes

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan discusses her creative process, revealing that her confidence comes not from believing in her first drafts but from trusting her ability to revise extensively — sometimes over 35 drafts. She explores the role of luck in a writing career, the importance of trusting editors and early readers over her own initial judgment, and how sustaining a long career requires embracing uncertainty rather than seeking formulaic success.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Confidence Through Revision
Jennifer Egan explains that her confidence as a writer doesn't come from initial inspiration but from knowing she can fix bad writing through relentless revision.
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Outsourcing Judgment to Trusted Readers
Egan trusts her editors and early readers more than she trusts her own judgment about her work, especially in early drafts.
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Editorial

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Luck as an Essential Career Ingredient
Egan acknowledges that luck plays a significant, often underestimated role in a successful writing career.
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Sustaining a Long Career Means Embracing Uncertainty
Rather than seeking a reliable formula, Egan believes longevity as a writer requires comfort with not knowing what will work next.
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Misc

✧Egan revises her work through as many as 35 drafts before considering it finished.
✧She places more trust in her editors and early readers than in her own initial assessment of a draft.
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