Everyone needs an editor – including me.
by Todd Foley
Last week was excruciatingly busy. My editing assignments seemed to grow more and more each day and I was running up against a deadline for my latest feature article. I worked through my long list of projects and produced quality work, yet most days I didn’t feel any closer to completion. I was so overwhelmed by words.
My work station.
When I took my much-needed 15-minute walk on Friday, I had a moment to catch my breath and realized something: I truly love my work, and I am blessed beyond measure not only have the security of a job, but to have one where I’m excited to go to work each most every day.
I have only been a full-time editor for seven months and still have so much to learn, but I love the opportunity for continual growth.
Some days I’m in the zone.
Sometimes I feel lost.
But I love it.
Here are a few things I’ve come to value about the work I’m so blessed to be able to do.
- It keeps me sharp. I went into this job thinking my role was to correct grammar, spelling and stylistic errors. Never would I have thought that an extra space after a sentence would be so visually appalling, but it’s those small, seemingly insignificant details that can make an entire project look like a rushed job. It’s all in the details!
- It keeps me connected to others. Editors can have the reputation of being a bully, ignoring the heart of the writer and imposing what they think is best. Sometimes this works. Most times, it doesn’t. Before I came to my current job, I did two years of communications work with an international development organization called Food for the Hungry Canada. The NGO’s key objective is to “walk with” rather than “do for.” This approach is the only way of achieving sustainability; to do otherwise only encourages dependency. Writing is a deeply personal act, and editing is necessary for perfection – but these two agents need each other. It truly is a thing of community.
- It keeps me humble. That moment right after you hit “publish” on a piece of writing when you read the finished product and suddenly recognize a glaring error. The simple reason? I didn’t get someone to check my writing before hand. The real reason? It was a poor judgment call. This goes for all areas of my life. Earlier this week, I made a decision that seemed entirely harmless; when my wife [in a very loving, constructive manner] shared her perspective on the situation, I saw that it as a complete lack of judgment. I hate it when this happens, but these experiences keep me humble. I need it; we all need it.
- It keeps me focused on the present. The problem with mediocrity is that it isn’t subtle. There are times when I’m so focused on getting to the next project that I’m tempted to settle on the current assignment. I find two inner voices speaking simultaneously: one says it’s okay to simply gloss over the writing so I can start something new; the other warns me that I’ll settle even more on the next project. Solution? Take the time to be fully present with what’s right in front of me – in writing and in life.
What lessons have you learned from your line[s] of work? I’d love to hear from you!
As a novelist, I’ve learned to understand real-world people better. In my novel, I have people from all over the place, and I need to get inside their head to accurately portray them. I’ve learned that people may do things one way but it can mean something else (hello, subtext!).
Great to hear from a newly full-time editor! I’ve quit my job recently and will be finishing soon. I want to be a writer or editor full-time one day. For now I work on small projects–but that’s the goal. What’s your advice on finding work?
Awesome insights! Have you gone through traditional or indie publishing for your novel? I’m in the process of self-publishing my first novel. I completely agree with you about developing characters and, consequentially, coming to understand real-world people in such a personal way. So hard to get in their heads when they’re so opposite of who we are personally!
As for finding work, I recommend that you continue doing what you’re doing now – writing and sharing your work. I found that personal connections and networking are HUGE for getting into this field. I started by writing in the non-profit sector and building my portfolio along the way. Have you heard of Jeff Goins? Check out his site out, he offers PRICELESS expertise. http://goinswriter.com/
Thanks for the link!
As for my manuscript–it’s currently being revised and re-written. I plan to go to agents first, then publishers accepting unsolicited submissions, then indie.
Awesome! I went through a similar process. It’s so hard to break through the noise eh? All the best!
Great post! I hate that moment with the hitting publish and then seeing the error >.<
My day job is a kindergarten teacher, and it's taught me a lot about taking deep breaths and letting things happen. You can't rush kids, no matter how you try. It's also startlingly clear that if you want something honey works better than vinegar in all age groups, but it's most obvious with children.
Amen to that! So many aspects of life require case-by-case attention. Such an organic approach. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences!
Todd, I love your observation of writing being a community activity. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for stopping by, Beth!
It’s so awesome (and rare) to see a post where people LOVE their jobs! Many just complain and rant.
Not you.
As far as your question goes, my line of work (sales training/marketing) shows me that creativity in business is so very needed. A slight tweak in a sales presentation (read: edit) or a different line of copy can make all the difference.
Creativity exists everywhere. Not just on a canvas, stage, or CD.
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Andrew, and I agree – I find so many posts where people rant and complain, and it honestly feels exhausting reading about the lack of joy and passion. It’s awesome to hear from you and your experiences! And [once again] I agree that creativity is what drives progress and growth. It’s what keeps things fresh and innovative, ESPECIALLY in business. Thanks so much for stopping by!
(1) I’ve learned how much people thrive when they are in a job that is uniquely suited to their giftings and talents – and that goes well beyond just skills and experience. Workplace culture is a HUGE factor to consider when searching for an ideal fit. It’s the coolest thing getting to see someone come alive when they really settle into that perfect job. (2) People totally can’t stand awkward silences and need to fill them with something – especially in a job interview… lol. (3) Not enough people consider an interview their opportunity to interview the company they are interviewing with. It’s a 2-way street. If they’re not interesting in engaging or “wooing” you as an applicant, you likely don’t want to work for them anyway. (Gosh, can I ever tell I’ve been doing a lot of recruiting these days!)
Amen to all of the above! Haha, and I totally understand about the awkward silences. We’re just so restless, eh? ‘Tis the season for recruiting!
Todd, thank you!! This post is a confirmation for things I’ve been struggling with recently as I look toward my future. I decided a few months ago to return to writing/communications in the non-profit world. I love dance, but I don’t love the industry. I’m excited to find myself in a position like yours in the next few months, LOVING going to work everyday. 🙂 Thanks friend!
And thanks for stopping by, friend! 🙂 Are you thinking of staying in the Toronto area? Can’t wait to stay posted on where your writing/communications work takes you! Keep up the blogging!