A few months ago I joined The Red Pen Coach as a content editor. I was (and am!) really excited about it, and I put myself in Nancy’s more-than-capable hands for some guidance as I began my first projects. In some ways, it felt like putting on comfortable shoes, or fleecy pajama pants. I really enjoy looking at story and story elements, and seeing ways to make things stronger, or bringing out characterization. I do think I bring those strengths to the table—partly because I’ve been writing for a long time, but partly too because I’ve done a lot of mentoring in the past and it’s been something that’s been fun and fulfilling. Those first few editing projects felt like a natural extension of something I’ve already been doing.
But I’m learning things all the time, too. For one thing, I always thought I had really great grammar and punctuation. Turns out I have adequate skills in that department. I immediately picked up a few books, like Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing and Strunk and White, which is considerably more dry. Now my writing—and editing—is less instinctual. I discovered things I didn’t know, and I also have been learning the actual rule behind rules I knew but couldn’t explain.
The thing that has struck me most is that I need to be right. That’s not to say editors are infallible; of course we make mistakes from time to time. But if I’m going to correct an author on something, I need to be sure I’m giving the correct information. I’ve done more fact-checking than I expected, because it’s not enough to “know” I’m right. I need to back it up. I’m learning all sorts of things!
The other thing I’m discovering, and this is an ongoing process, is that I need to be able to budget my time appropriately. I’m also a writer, and I have my own deadlines to meet, so time management to finish projects when they’re due is really important. I say it’s an ongoing process because every single author I know is still trying to figure this one out, no matter how long they’ve been in the game.
The greatest thing though is that while I hope my clients are learning something from me, I’m also learning a lot from them. I read my own work with a more critical eye. I find that by explaining story elements or principles, I give myself a refresher course at the same time. My clients not only make me a better editor, but a better writer too. And that’s pretty darned cool.
And if I ever have questions or need advice, Nancy’s been fabulous. The only regret I have was not joining her sooner.
Happy writing!
Donna
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