In this series, editors share their experiences, insights, and tips on the practical aspects of working as an editor. In some of our previous “Editors Advise” instalments, our contributors have shared their thoughts on various topics, including whether an editor should be a generalist or specialist, and how to know if you’re ready for a particular job. For this edition, four editors reflect on the importance of formal editing training and learning new skills.
Is it necessary to have formal editing training if you have a degree in a writing-related discipline like communications or journalism?
S. Robin Larin, fiction editor specializing in SFF and children’s books
Yes, I believe it’s vital to pursue editing-specific training in order to work as a professional editor because otherwise you don’t know what you don’t know. My own background and degrees in literature, writing, and teaching have been very helpful for editing fiction, but before I started looking into professional editing, I had no idea, for example, that different style guides even existed. All too often in writers’ forums, I come across questions about grammar, punctuation, formatting, and so on to which others reply with their own random opinions, merely confusing the issue further. Style guides have their purpose!
That said, I don’t believe one has to pursue an “official” editing certificate or diploma. I did, but one can learn just as well through individual courses and webinars, essentially building one’s own program of study.
Lola Opatayo, publications chair and managing editor of West Coast Editor
I think it is. I have a degree in communications, but I thought it was necessary to seek formal training in editing, and I was right. The training I received surpassed courses in grammar and the different types of editing. I also learned about ethics in editing, technical writing and editing, document design, advanced business writing, and the fundamentals of running a freelance business, among other topics. I don’t think I could have gained a good understanding of these subjects if I did not pursue formal training.
Knowledge cancels self-doubt and gives you a sure footing. Because of the training I received, I am now more confident than I ever was about editing, and I feel thoroughly equipped to run my own freelance business. In the corporate world, my communications degree has gotten me through the door, but my editorial skills set my work apart.
Allister Thompson, freelance editor
Yes. Communications and journalism are writing, not editing. Editors see things writers do not, and that’s why our profession exists! Of course, some writers are better at the craft of writing, at grammar, style, etc., and may be more than capable of editing their own work, but I do not find that to be true very often. Being good at writing is not a substitute for the critical eye that you develop when you are trained to properly dissect language and see all its separate elements, aiming to polish and perfect. Editors are also familiar with a variety of styles (Chicago, etc.), while journalists may not be.
Alicia Chantal, copy editor, proofreader, and owner of Fresh Look Editing
I majored in English for my Bachelor of Arts degree and there were several components of editing I learned through coursework for my diploma in public relations. Still, none of that was focused on professional editing skills the way my editing certificate through Simon Fraser University was. While I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all approach to becoming an editor, I personally needed education that targeted the nuanced and unique skills present in the editing world. Were there things covered in my certificate that I was already familiar with? Sure. But being immersed in the world of editing was different. There is terminology, a language if you will, that is unique to being an editor and working with writers and other professionals in the industry. Depending on when someone decides to become an editor, they may find that some practices, grammar trends, for example, have changed from when they were last in school. That’s an area where formal training can come in handy.
Formal training doesn’t need to be restricted to post-secondary education, though. There are many organizations that offer courses, webinars, and conferences about the various aspects of editing, including how to successfully run a freelance business if that’s what someone aims to do. I truly believe that a commitment to lifelong learning shows dedication to the craft of editing more than what credential you may or may not have behind your name.
Do you think it’s a good idea for an editor to add new skills like indexing, SEO, or graphics? Is there anything you would like to add, or have added recently, to your toolbox?
S. Robin Larin, fiction editor specializing in SFF and children’s books
I think it’s wise for editors to continually work on professional development. The industry is always changing, and keeping up with skills—whether old or new—can help an editor remain “relevant” in the marketplace. As a fiction editor, I’m not especially interested in editing-related matters that don’t apply much to fiction (though I do find indexing interesting!), but I do keep my ears perked up regarding tools and methods to streamline the editing process.
Lola Opatayo, publications chair and managing editor of West Coast Editor
I encourage editors to add to their skills, particularly as technological tools and resources become more available to perform editorial tasks. I think it’s important to have diverse skills and be strategic about acquiring those skills. For instance, if you want to work in marketing, then SEO, graphic design, writing, and video editing are skills you should consider adding. Even if you prefer to be self-employed, having a variety of skills means you’re more valuable to clients.
Also, with the current economic situation, I foresee more organizations choosing to outsource marketing and communications functions. This can be a great opportunity for self-employed editors to showcase additional skills and proffer solutions to business problems.
You may be overwhelmed by the number of skills to be gained, and this is why I urge you to be strategic about gaining them. Identify the problems that intrigue you and acquire the specific skills to solve them.
I’ve observed that businesses don’t often see the real value of effective communication because they can’t measure the impact. So, I hope to gain a data-related skill that helps to me to accurately connect business outcomes to effective communication.
Allister Thompson, freelance editor
I think it’s always useful to have extra skills. For example, due to some past in-house experience, I have some fairly basic but helpful design and layout/typesetting skills in InDesign and Photoshop. While I do try to refer clients to professional designers whenever possible, there have been times when I’ve been able to help with smaller jobs that are within my capabilities, which gives me something extra to offer. Obviously, anything extra you offer, like indexing, can help retain clients and help your bottom line. Having said that, it’s also good not to spread yourself too thin to the point where you’re neglecting your core skills and your core business—the things you are best at. Trying to offer all things in one person can backfire. A lot of people are advising everyone in professions like this to come to grips with AI. At the moment that’s not something I’m interested in, though of course I’ll follow developments.
Alicia Chantal, copyeditor, proofreader, and owner of Fresh Look Editing
Adding new skills and keeping current ones up to date is important for editors in any field. While I believe any skills added should be kept entirely in line with the interests and needs of each editor, I do think we should all be keeping an eye on the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the publishing industry. Having skills in how to spot, work with, and advise on AI issues will be critical in the months and years to come.
I have been approached about performing more sensitivity reads lately and find I quite enjoy them. I’m looking forward to learning more about conducting these effectively so I can formally add it to the list of my business’s offered services.
This article was copy edited by Ambrose Li.
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