Editing: The Content
As an editor, it's easy to install Grammarly, click the green boxes, then turn in for the day, but in my commentary, I aim to dig deeper. While grammar is important, my job isn't just to remove oxford commas; it's to give thoughtful recommendations on how to improve the content of pieces. This is why, as a Copy Editor and Gambling Section Leader for our Addiction News Package, I've done the utmost to provide authors with genuinely helpful feedback to make their pieces shine while still maintaining their original vision.
Click the title to view the document and see my full commentary in the comment history
Jack Block - Collegiate gambling: An unspoken addiction rising in our nation
This comment I made as a gambling section leader on our package project created genuine improvement in the story's content by adding nuance.
Before:
After:
Henry Barker - Gambling Personal Narrative
Before:
With Henry's voice in this deeply personal piece being so strong, I knew I had to maintain it. That's why, in my feedback, I encouraged him to use his own voice and experience like I did in this comment which correctly thought could add important depth to the story.
After:
Editing/Leadership: Communication
Oddly enough, I believe there's something more important about editing than editing: communicating. If communication breaks down, stories miss their deadlines or come out half baked. This is why, I communicate with writers every step of the way, maintaining a constructive, helpful tone.
Every time I edit a story proactively, I'll leave comments like this one on Logan Scully and Reed Grossman's gambling piece to streamline the publication process
Whenever I finish a step in the editing process, I don't leave authors in the dark; I immediately let the writer know to expedite the path to publication, like I did in this text.
I believe positive feedback is as important as negative in editing, as it helps writers continue to do what they're good at, improving both their writing and their personal voices. That's why I'll leave positive comments commenting on specific strengths like this one on Henry Barker's story.