In this series, editors share their experiences, insights, and tips on the practical aspects of working as an editor or writer. In our last instalment, six editors shared their thoughts on whether to accept a job if you’re not sure you’re ready. For this edition, our editors reflect on a particular skill that has helped their career, and the place reading has in their lives.
Do you have to read a lot to be a good editor? If so, should fiction editors read fiction, non-fiction editors read non-fiction, and so on?
Alicja Minda (she), editor at the Senate of Canada
I’d say exposure to good and diverse writing is how we learn what good writing is. I don’t know how else we would learn what makes it okay or effective to break the rules we are taught as editors other than through reading. But I wouldn’t advise fiction editors to only read fiction and non-fiction editors to only read non-fiction, because not everything needs to be about craft. Going slightly beyond the scope of this question, the beauty of this profession is that editors have all their knowledge and experience to draw on in their work, not just what they’ve read, but what they’ve studied, watched, and listened to.
Jennifer D. Foster, freelance editor, writer, mentor, and owner of Planet Word
I think a love of reading, words, and language is something innate in editors, so it’s not a stretch to say that editors are avid readers outside their work. I think it’s imperative to read a lot as an editor, to stay current and informed on the ever-evolving nature of language. But what an editor likes to read is another story altogether. I read everything from newspapers/news websites and magazines, blogs, and books (both fiction and non-fiction, including children’s and young adult) to journals and book reviews, (e-)newsletters, and web copy regularly when I’m not working. I read a wide range of material because that’s what I like and find that helps to broaden my perspectives and increase my overall knowledge base. But, if you only like reading certain genres or certain kinds of material, then so be it. It’s not what you read, but the fact that you read a lot, that is key.
Pamela Capraru, copy and line editor
Yes! I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child, and most editors I’ve worked with immerse themselves in books, magazines, and diverse online content. Sure, it’s helpful to read the kind of material you hope to edit, but all of my clients and colleagues have valued broad general knowledge and a keen eye for accuracy.
Josephine Mo (she/her), acquisitions editor at a higher education publisher
I think reading a lot is necessary for life in general. It widens your mind to different points of view. It builds your empathy and vocabulary. It forces you to be still and immersed in a story or new information—a much-needed practice in a world of infinite distractions.
I’ve reflected on this question in my own time and am still coming up with an answer. Reading as an editor feels like wearing a distinct set of glasses; you might notice published slip-ups or wonder about how the editor has shaped or left their mark on the text. Is that helpful for becoming a better editor yourself? I can’t say. But my verdict is, whether you (sub)consciously absorb new lessons or are simply enjoying the read, there’s no losing.
Samantha Hoffman, proofreader and Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
I think you should be reading a lot. I don’t believe that you need to stay with your chosen genre. In fact, I believe you should keep all your options open and learn different writing styles. It will only serve to make you an all-around editor.
Katherine Morton (she/her), Certified Copy Editor
The short answer is yes, editors should read a lot to be good editors, but I assume that editors do read a lot because they like words and language. Editors should know, and thus read, the genre they edit, but I suggest they enjoy reading lots of different things. As a non-fiction editor, I tend to read more non-fiction, but I love a good novel now and then.
What is the one skill that has helped you the most in your career?
Pamela Capraru, copy and line editor
Thoroughness and attention to detail. Balancing editorial rigour with diplomacy and respect for the writer’s voice. As a copy chief, I didn’t work directly with writers. The best compliments I received were from authors who said I improved their writing but still made it sound like them.
Alicja Minda (she), editor at the Senate of Canada
It’s hard to isolate a single skill; I’d rather say it has been a combination of factors (not necessarily, or not just, skills). The fact that I’ve studied a few languages has given me plenty of exposure to grammar and syntax. The fact that I previously worked as a journalist gave me the experience of being edited before I started editing others. I’ve also been lucky to work in environments where I’ve been able to learn from kind and smart people. Being a member of Editors Canada and volunteering with Editors Toronto have been a source of countless benefits, too.
Samantha Hoffman, proofreader and Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
Patience…but getting my editing certificate really helped me see editing through the eyes of many different editors.
Jennifer D. Foster, freelance editor, writer, mentor, and owner of Planet Word
I’m not so sure it’s been pure skill that has helped me to succeed in my career as much as it’s been a mix of skills and personality traits such as tenacity and courage. Tenacity to never give up when times are tough (especially during the early stages of COVID-19, when work was scant) and courage to get out of my comfort zone by joining executive committees, giving presentations and being on panels, networking at conferences and events, saying “yes” to new kinds and genres of editorial work, and taking the plunge into mentoring. Unending curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and an openness to exploring new skill sets (like indexing, which, I discovered, isn’t my thing) have also been invaluable. And then serendipitous things completely out of my control, such as luck and timing, have also been big players. As for skills, time management, organization, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, empathy, and learnability (and, of course, strong communications skills) have all played crucial roles in my career success.
Katherine Morton (she/her), Certified Copy Editor
Wow, only one? That’s tough to answer. I guess, besides editing skills, I would say client relations. In my editing career now, and in my former career, I always think about who my client is and how I can make their job easier. They are paying me to solve a problem. How can I do that as best as possible? As an example, I’ve edited academic documents for many multilingual clients who don’t speak or write English as a first language. After editing a document for one client, she asked if I could spend time teaching her English writing. While I have been an English as a Foreign Language teacher in the past, it’s not currently part of my service offering, so I reached out to the editing community and found three people who offer this service, whom I then recommended to my client. She was happy with my editing, and I was able to help her with an additional problem.
This article was copy edited by Joyce Chung (she/her, they/them), a Vancouver copy editor and the owner of HoneyQuill Editing.
[Have a question you’d like to see answered by your fellow editors? Leave us a comment below.]
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