Sep 19 2008
the least popular people club
It’s interesting to work as both a writer and editor. The first position tends to generate accolades; the second is just as likely to generate hard feelings. After all, everyone who writes does so because they’re passionate about writing, about their stories, about their messages. And editors, who are not always mean, hard-hearted, and calloused as the stereotypes would have it, nevertheless often have to deliver opinions or news that writers would rather not hear.
While editing professionaly may sometimes make me a member of the least popular people club, it also reminds me of some important lessons that apply just as much to my writing life:
1. Be humble. I’m not perfect, infallible, or dazzlingly brilliant. Realize that God has called me to serve others with my work.
2. Respect the creativity, hard work, and abilities of others and listen to them . They can see things I can’t.
3. Keep perspective. If every top editor in the nation was to reject my work, it would not be the end of the world. I will learn, write another book, soldier on. Not only that, but the sun will rise, people will bless me, God will still love me, and tea will still comfort. What am I so worried about?
4. It’s not over till I’m dead! And even then, seeing as Jesus has given me eternal life, it’s not over ;).
I think those are good points for all of us to remember.
That was really encouraging in more than just the sphere of writing. Thanks Rach. :-)
I’ve been wondering…how did you get into editing? I’ve toyed with the idea of trying it myself and I’ve been meaning to ask you where you started out.
That’s a very good question, Elisabeth! Since I’m always looking for blog fodder, I think I’ll answer it for real in a blog post soon. Hopefully you can get some ideas from that!
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