14.2 Working with Editors
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Working with editors is a crucial skill for feature writers. Editors shape articles, provide guidance, and ensure quality. Building a strong relationship with your editor involves open communication, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Understanding and implementing editorial feedback is key to improving your work. Approach revisions with an open mind, balancing your vision with the editor's insights. Clear communication and professionalism throughout the process will help you create compelling features.
Editors in Feature Writing
The Role of Editors
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- Editors play a crucial role in shaping and refining feature articles to ensure they meet the publication's standards, engage readers, and effectively communicate the intended message
- They provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the writing process, from initial story pitches to final revisions
- Editors offer valuable insights into the publication's target audience, editorial style, and overall vision, helping writers tailor their work accordingly
- A strong writer-editor relationship is built on mutual respect, professionalism, and a shared commitment to producing high-quality content (magazine features, newspaper articles, online publications)
Establishing a Collaborative Relationship
- Establishing a collaborative relationship with editors involves open communication, trust, and a willingness to work together to create the best possible article
- Writers should initiate discussions with editors to clarify expectations regarding the article's focus, length, style, and deadline, as well as any specific requirements or guidelines
- Clear and timely communication is essential for maintaining a productive working relationship with editors and ensuring the smooth progress of the writing and editing process
- Meeting deadlines is crucial for maintaining trust and professionalism, and writers should communicate proactively if they anticipate any difficulties in delivering the article on time (extended deadlines, additional resources needed)
Incorporating Editorial Feedback
Understanding and Interpreting Feedback
- Editorial feedback is designed to help writers improve their work by identifying areas that need , elaboration, or revision
- Feedback may address various aspects of the article, such as the clarity and coherence of the narrative, the effectiveness of the lead and conclusion, the use of quotes and sources, and the overall adherence to the publication's style and tone
- Writers should carefully review and consider each piece of feedback, assessing its merits and potential impact on the article
- When receiving feedback, writers should ask questions to better understand the editor's perspective and intentions, and to seek guidance on how to most effectively address the suggested changes (clarifying comments, specific examples)
Implementing Revisions
- Incorporating feedback often involves making targeted revisions to specific sections, sentences, or words, as well as restructuring or expanding certain parts of the article to enhance its overall quality and impact
- Writers should approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow, recognizing that editors' suggestions are intended to help them produce their best work
- Revisions may include tightening the narrative, adding context or background information, strengthening transitions, or adjusting the tone and style to better suit the publication and its audience
- Writers should strive to maintain the integrity of their original vision while also being open to the editor's insights and recommendations for improvement (balancing creativity and editorial guidance)
Communicating with Editors
Clarifying Expectations
- Writers should initiate discussions with editors to clarify expectations regarding the article's focus, length, style, and deadline, as well as any specific requirements or guidelines
- Open communication helps ensure that both the writer and editor have a shared understanding of the project's goals and parameters
- Asking questions and seeking clarification early in the process can prevent misunderstandings and help writers stay on track as they develop their articles (story , word count, formatting)
Discussing Revisions and Progress
- When receiving feedback, writers should ask questions to better understand the editor's perspective and intentions, and to seek guidance on how to most effectively address the suggested changes
- Writers should provide updates on their progress, inform editors of any challenges or delays, and work collaboratively to find solutions and maintain momentum
- Regular check-ins and progress reports can help keep the project on schedule and ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner
- Maintaining open lines of communication throughout the editing process helps foster a strong working relationship and ensures that the final article meets both the writer's and editor's expectations (email updates, phone conversations, in-person meetings)
Handling Constructive Criticism
Developing a Growth Mindset
- Constructive criticism is an inherent part of the editing process, and writers must learn to approach feedback with a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement
- Writers should strive to separate their personal feelings from their professional work, recognizing that editorial feedback is not a reflection of their worth as a person or a writer, but rather an opportunity to enhance their skills and the quality of their work
- Developing emotional resilience and self-awareness can help writers manage the stress and vulnerability that often accompany the editing process
- Embracing a growth mindset involves viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and development, and being open to feedback as a means of refining one's craft (writing workshops, mentorship, self-reflection)
Maintaining Professionalism
- Maintaining a professional attitude involves being receptive to feedback, communicating respectfully and constructively, and focusing on the shared goal of creating the best possible article for the publication and its readers
- When faced with challenging feedback, writers should take time to process their emotions, reflect on the editor's perspective, and consider how the suggested changes can benefit the article and their own development as a writer
- Writers should express gratitude for the editor's time and insights, and approach discussions about revisions with a collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset
- Professionalism also involves meeting deadlines, adhering to the publication's guidelines and standards, and maintaining a positive and respectful demeanor throughout the editing process (prompt responses, thoughtful revisions, gracious acceptance of feedback)
Key Terms to Review (18)
Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the precision and correctness of information presented in writing, ensuring that all facts are verified and reliable. It is crucial for maintaining credibility, as it helps to balance factual reporting with interpretation, upholding journalistic integrity while engaging readers effectively.
Angle: In feature writing, the angle refers to the specific perspective or focus that a story takes, shaping how the information is presented and what elements are emphasized. It helps define the narrative by guiding the writer's approach and deciding what aspects of a story resonate most with the audience. A well-defined angle makes a story compelling and relatable, ultimately influencing how readers connect with the content.
Clarification: Clarification is the process of making something clear or understandable, especially in communication and editing. This involves refining ideas, removing ambiguity, and ensuring that the intended message is conveyed accurately, which is crucial when working with editors who aim to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of a piece of writing.
Content Management System: A content management system (CMS) is a software application that enables users to create, manage, and modify digital content easily, often without needing specialized technical knowledge. It plays a crucial role in streamlining the workflow for editors and publishers by allowing for collaborative content creation, editing, and publishing processes. With features like version control and user management, a CMS simplifies the publication process and enhances communication between various stakeholders involved in producing content.
Copy editor: A copy editor is a professional who reviews written content to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness in grammar, punctuation, and style. They play a vital role in the publishing process, enhancing the overall quality of the text and ensuring it adheres to specific editorial standards. Their feedback not only improves the readability of the work but also shapes how writers interact with their editors, fostering stronger relationships through constructive communication.
E.B. White: E.B. White was an influential American writer known for his contributions to literature, particularly in the realms of essays, children's books, and as a co-author of 'The Elements of Style.' His work emphasized clarity, simplicity, and the importance of communication, connecting deeply with the art of writing and editing.
Editorial calendar: An editorial calendar is a planning tool used by writers and editors to schedule and organize content production over a specific timeframe. It outlines what content will be created, when it will be published, and who is responsible for each piece, ensuring a consistent flow of material that aligns with overarching goals. This tool is essential for managing deadlines, coordinating with team members, and ensuring that the content is timely and relevant.
Feedback loop: A feedback loop is a process in which the output of a system is circled back and used as input, influencing future operations or decisions. This concept is crucial in communication, particularly in the context of working with editors, as it fosters continuous improvement and collaboration throughout the writing process. Effective feedback loops ensure that writers receive constructive critiques that help refine their work and align it with editorial standards.
Line edit: A line edit is a detailed review of a written piece that focuses on improving the style, flow, and clarity of the text on a line-by-line basis. It involves scrutinizing word choice, sentence structure, and overall readability to enhance the effectiveness of the writing while maintaining the author's voice. This type of editing goes beyond surface-level corrections, aiming to refine the text's quality and ensure that it resonates well with readers.
Managing Editor: A managing editor is a key position in a publication responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring that the editorial content meets the publication's standards. This role involves coordinating between different departments, managing deadlines, and maintaining the overall vision and voice of the publication while also mentoring writers and editors.
Nut graf: A nut graf is a crucial paragraph in feature writing that summarizes the main point or essence of the story, providing context and significance to the reader. It serves as a bridge between the engaging lead and the detailed content that follows, ensuring readers understand why the story matters. This succinct summary is vital for organizing information effectively, crafting compelling narratives, and collaborating with editors to clarify the piece's focus.
Pitch meeting: A pitch meeting is a formal presentation where a writer proposes story ideas or concepts to an editor or a panel of decision-makers in order to secure approval for publication. This meeting serves as a crucial opportunity for writers to showcase their ideas, demonstrate their understanding of the publication's audience, and persuade editors of the value of their proposed stories. The effectiveness of a pitch meeting can significantly influence a writer's career and ongoing relationship with editors.
Revision process: The revision process is a critical stage in writing where authors refine and improve their work by reviewing, editing, and reworking content. It involves analyzing the structure, clarity, and effectiveness of the piece while incorporating feedback from others, particularly editors. This process helps ensure that the final product is polished, coherent, and aligns with the intended message or audience.
Structural edit: A structural edit is a comprehensive revision process focused on the overall organization and flow of a written piece, rather than just grammar or punctuation. It involves reworking sections to improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of the narrative, ensuring that the story's elements are well-structured and aligned with the intended message.
Style guide: A style guide is a set of standards for writing and design that provides guidelines on grammar, punctuation, formatting, and the overall presentation of content. It ensures consistency in communication, helping writers adhere to specific rules and preferences that align with an organization's voice and brand identity. Style guides are crucial when working with editors as they serve as a reference point to maintain uniformity across various pieces of content.
Submission deadline: A submission deadline is a specific date and time by which a writer must submit their work, such as articles or stories, to an editor or publication. This timeline is crucial in the editorial process as it ensures that all pieces are reviewed, edited, and published in a timely manner, maintaining the publication's schedule. Missing a submission deadline can lead to missed opportunities for publication and can affect a writer's relationship with editors.
Transparency: Transparency in journalism refers to the openness and clarity with which journalists communicate their processes, sources, and decisions to their audience. This concept is crucial in building trust and credibility with readers, allowing them to understand how information is gathered and reported, thereby ensuring accountability and integrity in the media.
Walter Isaacson: Walter Isaacson is an American author, journalist, and professor known for his biographies of influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci. His work often delves into the lives of innovators and thinkers, exploring how their contributions have shaped the world, which connects to the essential dynamics of working with editors in crafting impactful narratives.