What Do You Think, Could Just Anyone Be An Editor?

A short while ago, I was asked to assist in editing and posting stories for a publication on Medium. I thought about it and said that I would give it a try. It would be when the primary was away for a weekend and a week or two coming up.

I use a free editor program that I use now for my own stories. I then had some difficulties with some suggestions pointed out as it was a poem. Poetry is usually punctuated at the poet’s discretion.

Some words are chosen that may not be termed proper English but they are proper for a poem. I then thought how can I edit a poem, especially from a top poet, or master poet?

I expressed those concerns to the Editor of the publication. She was experiencing some life stuff and was deciding on backing out of writing for medium and the publication.

I truly wished to be able to cover until she could return. I just didn’t feel it was a good idea considering her name was attached to the publication if I were to mess up.

Then I thought maybe if I write about this, I might get some helpful feedback. It was not accepted to be published by the publisher I thought I may get the most feedback from. It’s okay as all I started with was the lists and not enough of a story.

Below is what I proposed as a story. Not enough. Still, it was my process.

What is an editor?

Dictionary definition: ed·i·tor /ˈedədər/

noun

1. a person who is in charge of and determines the final content of a text, particularly a newspaper or magazine: “The editor of”

2. a computer program enabling the user to enter or alter text: “You will be able to use the editor to make any changes you want”

What does it take to be a person editor?

Be good with editing your writing first.

Be good with using an editor program with your writing and then with others.

Be friendly and helpful. Teach others what you know that is helpful. (In my case tips others have given me.)

Do not claim to be an expert.

Just because you are an editor does not make you an expert. You can still make mistakes in your writing and someone else’s writing.

It is helpful to have people that use an editor as then you don’t run into the problems that you would otherwise.

Why should I consider it?

1. On medium, it is a volunteer thing. Do not consider the pay. Maybe with experience, there could be pay at some point somewhere else.

2. Chatting with others is a good thing.

3. Having people know you in a writing place, like vocal or medium.

3. It is good for increasing the level of your editing experience.

4. Someone who could use a break or use some help may be asking.

5. Someone has helped you with your writing before.

6. It is a compliment for someone to ask.

What is the problem?

The self-confidence of course. Not enough self-confidence.

Too much going on in my life.

Not sure I have the time to commit to it.

Too responsible or not responsible enough.

Would I make it work if it was for pay?

I would have trouble editing a master-level poet’s work as I don’t feel like I know enough to do that.

🏵️

It is good to get something like this down on paper and in that way hear your thoughts and ideas. I decided to not fill in and it was without any feedback. Just this article.

So I always recommend writing, making notes, pros and cons, and talking it out with a trusted someone, even poetry shows me what is going on at times.

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First published on Medium