Professional Writers Appreciate Good Editing
Over on our forum, we’re kicking around editors we’ve had problems with. Seems like most of us have had an editor or two that has given us fits.
In my case, one editor wrecked an article by adding a bunch of short paragraphs she thought were cute. I was so embarrassed I was tempted to ask them to apologize. A more experienced writer suggested I let it go since the article was already out there with my name on it. I did and in hindsight I think he was right. I’ll admit to some snide glee when the magazine folded.
But what also shows up in the discussion is now much good, professional writers appreciate good editing. Good editors not only double check spelling and sentence structure, they work to make their writer’s look good in print. They realize that the better read is produced, the more likely people are to recommend the publication. Good editors have very little ego; they are content to be on the masthead and let the writer take full credit for the improved writing.
Fortunately, it looks like most of the forum participants mirror my experience, which is way more good editors than bad. And we are all grateful for each and every one of the good ones.
Write well and often,
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Tags: authors, editing, editors, forum, freelance-writing, writingRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Musings From A Freelance Writer
6 opinions for Professional Writers Appreciate Good Editing
Kelly Boyer Sagert
Jan 26, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Although I have a few “bad editor” stories that I could tell, they would be buried beneath the number of “good editor” ones that I could share.
No doubt.
Anne Wayman
Jan 28, 2007 at 8:53 am
your experience matches mine kelly
Kristen King
Jan 28, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Anne, you hit the nail on the head: The editor’s job is to make the writer look good. That goes for magazine editors and the author’s editors you hire as a writer.
Kristen
Anne Wayman
Jan 29, 2007 at 9:26 am
when I was an editor that’s what I tried to do… make ‘em look good which made our newspaper/magazine look good… come to think about it, that’s what I do ghostwriting and coaching too.
mizranee
May 30, 2008 at 1:31 am
I quote: “But what also shows up in the discussion is now much good, professional writers appreciate good editing.” Do you mean “how much good, professional writers appreciate good editing”?
Anne Wayman
May 30, 2008 at 10:07 am
yes, exactly ;)
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