Internet Writing Workshop: The Best of Both Worlds

Writers have a love/hate relationship with editors. Or maybe a
like/tolerate one is more truthful, less hyperbolic.

We love them when they accept the fruits of our labor, demonstrating
their intelligence and good taste.

We're not so pleased when they turn around and change our words, write a
new lead, or take out the best part of our whole essay. Where is their
good taste then?

In a Salon.com essay "Let Us Now Praise Editors," former editor Gary Kamiya describes editors as: "craftsmen, ghosts, psychiatrists, bullies, sparring partners, experts, enablers, ignoramuses, translators, writers, goalies,friends, foremen, wimps, ditch diggers, mind readers, coaches, bomb throwers, muses and spittoons -- sometimes all while working on the same piece."

Those of us who have worked with editors would say, "All of the above,
and then some."

Those of us who have worked with good editors understand, accept,
and even welcome the dynamics. Good editors polish, making writers work
shine.

"Bedside manner is important," Kamiya says. "An editor needs to remember
that writing is much harder work than editing. Sending something you've
written off into the world exposes you, leaves you vulnerable. It is a
creative process, while editing is merely a reactive one."

The key to being a good editor according to Kamiya is being tactful in
communicating with the writer.

Tactful communication--this is where I paused to think of the Internet Writing
Workshop.

Members join to write. Their goals vary: improve writing skills,
develop voice, practice, receive solid critiques, but no matter what
else, to write.

After submitting a story for critique, writers take a seat at the
editor's desk, critiquing other's submissions.

With visors pulled low, writers make suggestions for editing, organizing
text, tightening, improving clarity, and more. In other words they
edit. Bedside manner is impressive; after all they are writers.
They know how editor's comments might be received. They tread with
sensitivity, but complete honesty.

Combining what Kamiya calls the creative process of writing with the
reactive editing process works double duty to improve writing. Sitting
on the other side of the desk, writers gain a soft spot in their hearts
for the editors they work with, and improve their own writing skills by
helping others do the same.
~~~~~
by Ruth Douillette, IWW Practice Administrator