Here's something I've learned in my fifty-cough years on this planet: Not every person with a pencil (or pen or computer) is an editor. It's not their fault. You see, you either have this thing in you or you don't...but it's really important to accept it if you don't. I have it. I can remember being punished for editing my fourth grade teacher's handout. I couldn't help myself. Her note said that assignments must be RECIEVED by a certain date. It was just too much for me.
One of my favorite things on television is Jay Leno's Tuesday night feature called Headlines where he shows embarrassing or ridiculous mistakes made in newspapers and advertisements, on billboards and menus all across the country. I probably love it so much because I've been saving the same sort of clippings and photos for years!
Recently, I've been taking on freelance editorial assignments, and a writer asked me last week if there is REALLY a market for someone like me. After all, would a writer really be writing if they weren't capable of editing their own work?
Rather than sing for my supper, I simply sent the writer a few photos from my substantial collection with a short note: Not all people with a task to do are fully equipped to complete it. Just sayin.
I have a gag and shackles I have to apply to my inner editor when I need to write a rough draft. And believe me, she kicks and screams until I get her all bound up.
ReplyDeleteSandie, I admire you for making your confession. I, too, am an editaholic. My Internal Editor works overtime, whether I like it or not. Like Ane, I have to bind and gag her when I'm writing the first draft of a story. There are times I have to crank up the classical tunes I play while writing so I won't hear her pounding on the door begging to be let back in. She's one determined dudette.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious! I mean the pictures you showed were sort of obvious but the REAL editing, the good kind of editing, oh I wish I had your gift
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