Respect for Creators: Being an Editor is NOT the Same as Being a Writer

One thing I am known for amongst friends and family is the book that I always have on hand. Anytime there is a long car ride, an extra shift, or a late night, there is a book attached to my hip. One in my purse, another on the coffee table, or in my glove box. One thing I am NOT known for, is my ability to recreate those beautiful passages in my own way. Drafts upon drafts sit open on my desktop and have yet to be touched for years. It just isn't the same.

One piece of advice that I will offer to those who choose to go into the industry would be to choose whether you want to be the creator or the confidant. To be a dreamer or to be the one who is trusted with those dreams. As of right now, I think being the confidant is the safest bet for me. Reading those miscellaneous books all around my house are my safety nets. Those unfinished drafts are my ultimate weakness. I tell you this so you know my investment in the art of writing and storytelling. I admire the discipline of those who can finish, thereafter I show my respect to each piece by offering my services.

Being an editor means that you must read each sentence one at a time while looking at the piece as a whole. Does the tense match? Is the content consistent? How can I fix the repetition? As the one who polishes the pieces into perfection, there is little room for error on behalf of the author.

Being a writer is not self-serving like editing and publishing are. As a writer you gift your community with your imagination. You broaden horizons and exceed expectations. Boundaries can never hold you as long as you put your thoughts on paper. Somebody will always want to hear another story and the other side; to walk in someone else's shoes.

So I will, and you all should, show authors respect for their discipline and skill. I know that I am not the only one with books always in my reach. The pages that make up a person's personality are just waiting to be picked up an ruminated on.

To wrap it all up, I have a note for you writers who see this post and have worked with me. Thank you for all you have done to create worlds we readers only dream of. We hold you in the highest regard and I have only respect for you.