Thoughts on the Publishing Industry
What Makes A Good Editor?
For most of my life, I’ve known that my life would be one involving the use of words; I was first fluent in Portuguese, followed by English, by the time I got to preschool. I’ve been catching typos in chapter books, magazines and on labels since I was 5 years old. However, I also knew that by becoming an editor, I would be able to provide guidance and support in the lives of many great writers someday.
I had trouble beginning this piece, because I couldn’t seem to form the words on what makes a good editor and why. But after reflecting on the fact that I have had a relationship with an editor my whole life, the words began to flow.
The first editor I had, and still have, is my mom. I’ve always told her that when I’m an award-winning author of many books and editor-in-chief of my own magazine, that I will credit her as my first editor, because she was the person who taught me about writing. She taught me how to write a story, and how to write an essay, and how to write an email.
So, by reflecting on this bond I have with my mom, in the writer/editor sense, and based on what I’ve learned in class, it would only make sense to me that a good editor must be someone patient. Gottlieb believes that an editor has to be someone who loves to read and could do it all day. But I think there’s more to being an editor than that, because in Chapter 12 of Start Spreading the News by Calvert D Morgan Jr., he writes that an editor must be a person of faith. He also wrote that an editor’s job is to inspire passion in others; passion about the books they acquire, the authors and the teams behind them, and of course, the customers. The audience.
A good editor is someone who, like my mom, is patient, pays close attention to detail, and is not afraid to be honest. Editors shouldn’t sugarcoat suggestions just because they don’t want to upset the writer they’re working with; and after taking many writing classes that require peer review, typically multiple rounds of it, I’ve realized that this is much easier said than done. Which is why a good editor is someone who doesn’t hold back in their mission to inspire passion about the work and shape it into the best it can be.
Morgan’s insight resonated deeply with me because it captures the essence of what a good editor brings to the table. He writes that a good editor embodies qualities such as sympathy, a keen understanding of when and why manuscript revisions are necessary, a passionate commitment to the project, and an unwavering enthusiasm for the work at hand. Moreover, they hold a profound faith in the reader and assume the crucial roles of advocating, representing, and promoting the author.
I really do think that every writer needs an editor. Without these champions of our voices, who would tirelessly fight for our work and ensure it reaches their full potential? Editors play a pivotal role in nurturing writers, providing the constructive feedback necessary for growth. They serve as essential mentors, pointing out mistakes and offering invaluable suggestions that elevate our writing to its fullest potential.
In a world without editors, the journey of a writer would lack the crucial checkpoints for improvement. Mistakes would go unnoticed, and the path to becoming a better writer would be a solitary and less enlightening one.. In essence, editors are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, the ones making sure that every writer’s voice is not only heard, but effectively resonates with its intended power and clarity.
What makes a successful magazine?
Participating in Emerson’s pitch slam in November and being the Editor-in-Chief of the Community College of Rhode Island’s student newspaper, The Unfiltered Lens, marked pivotal moments in my understanding of what makes a magazine, or a newspaper, truly successful. These experiences illuminated the profound significance of what a true editorial vision actually is, and at the pitch slam, each editor showcased a distinct perspective on what constituted a compelling pitch for them and their publication. This insight highlighted the idea that a successful publication goes beyond the publishing informative or entertaining articles—it evolves into a dynamic tapestry that intricately weaves together narratives, articles, and visually captivating elements.
A successful magazine transforms into an immersive experience that delves beneath the superficial and sparks genuine connections among its readers. This revelation crystallized the understanding that a magazine's impact extends beyond the realm of content provision; it is about cultivating an environment that readers eagerly anticipate—a publication that nurtures a sense of community and curiosity within specific cultures and subcultures.
The harmonious interaction of well-crafted stories, visually striking imagery, and pertinent information is the alchemy that elevates a magazine from a mere periodical to a cherished companion. It’s a unified combination that compels people to engage with each issue, thus creating a continuous dialogue between the publication and its audience. Witnessing this transformative power of magazines at Emerson's pitch slam instilled in me a deep appreciation for the intricacies involved in crafting a truly successful magazine.
A successful magazine is a living, breathing thing, evolving with each issue to resonate with its readership. It’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between an ambitious (and successful) editorial vision, strong production values, and audience engagement, that illustrates how a careful curation of content can foster a sense of anticipation, community, and curiosity. As I continue studying writing, literature and publishing here in Boston, I’ll remember the valuable lessons I learned at Emerson's pitch slam and remain determined to contribute to the crafting of publications that transcend the conventional and spark meaningful connections and conversations issue after issue.
What is the best way to build your profile as an author? Freelance writer? Freelance editor?
The best way to build your profile as an author, freelance writer, or even a freelance editor, is to write as many articles as you can and submit them to as many places as you can. Jason Newman, the News Editor at Rolling Stone Magazine, explained to our class that a major theme in the world of freelance writing is rejection more often than not. Establishing yourself as an author seems to feel like setting sail on a boat in uncharted waters. You wrote something, and you just hope that someone will read it. And love it. And want to publish it or encourage you to self-publish.
It's crucial to immerse yourself in the art of writing by producing and submitting articles purposefully and submitting often. Jason Newman, the News Editor at Rolling Stone Magazine shared with our class that a main theme in the world of freelance writing is grappling with rejection more frequently than not.
The key lies in persistence and resilience. By consistently creating content and sharing it across diverse platforms, you not only increase your chances of getting noticed but also hone your craft along the way. Every rejection becomes a navigational marker, guiding you toward growth and improvement. This process of trial and error is central to the journey of any aspiring writer or editor.
I’ve learned that building your profile takes steady discipline, commitment, and resilience, where each piece you write adds a layer to the evolving narrative of one’s career. It's about casting your literary net wide, taking risks, and embracing the uncertainty of whether your words will find their audience. But I firmly believe that there’s an audience for every kind of writing. Through this process, you not only carve out your identity as a writer but also cultivate the strength necessary for success in the competitive nature of freelance writing and editing.
