Understanding the Writing Process: Lessons from Teaching and Editing
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Chapter 1: Embracing New Perspectives
To truly grasp the nuances of writing, it’s essential to explore various viewpoints.
Reflecting on my initial editing role, I recall feeling a mix of excitement and authority. I thought, "Finally, writers will have an editor who understands the craft!" As I settled into my workspace, I anticipated transforming the writing landscape.
However, within minutes, I uncovered more insights about writing than I had during a year of freelancing. The majority of submissions I reviewed were far from publication-ready, and they echoed the same mistakes I had made in my own writing.
It dawned on me that when one exclusively reads their own work, it’s easy to miss the negative aspects of certain careless habits. A clichéd phrase may not trigger alarm when seen once, but when confronted with a barrage of subpar efforts, you might find yourself inclined to highlight and delete extensively.
Some truths about writing can only be uncovered by gaining experience in related fields. While honing your craft is vital, it's equally important to appreciate the methodologies of other professionals in your domain.
Section 1.1: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
At my editing desk, with cheeks flushed and pride wounded, I found myself sending emails I had vowed never to write: “I’m sorry, but your work doesn’t align with our needs at this time.”
Unbeknownst to me, this experience was crucial for my growth as a writer. Accepting that my work didn’t stand out as I had believed was humbling. To distinguish oneself, it’s essential to understand the broader landscape.
Writers often neglect this crucial step; engaging in your craft should extend beyond merely composing text.
If you aspire to thrive in the writing industry, consider roles as an editor, educator, or agent. Your work exists within a larger framework, and understanding how it will be perceived from various angles is invaluable.
Once you learn to position your work within specific parameters, your demand as a writer will increase significantly.
Chapter 2: The Value of Editors and Teachers
The first video, "The Science of Teaching Writing - My Hunt for RESEARCH-based Writing Instruction," delves into the intricate relationship between teaching methodologies and writing skills, emphasizing the importance of research-driven practices in writing instruction.
As I reflect on my editing experiences, I recognize the importance of having a broader perspective. There are tasks that might seem trivial at first, yet they play a crucial role in the final outcome.
For instance, when assisting a friend in tiling a bathroom, I was eager to rush into the fun part of the job. However, my friend insisted we ensure the first row was level. Initially, I didn’t see the value in this step, but it became clear that this foundational work was essential to achieve a neat finish.
Similarly, when an editor requests revisions on parts of my writing I consider satisfactory, I remember that they often perceive potential hurdles that I may not see.
Section 2.1: Learning Through Teaching
As a teacher, I often learned more than I did as a student. Explaining concepts to others can reveal gaps in one’s understanding. I remember a student once asked about advanced physics concepts, leading me to realize the complexity beyond basic principles.
This larger perspective mirrors that of an editor, who considers the complications within a specific context. Just as an educator anticipates diverse perspectives, an editor views potential challenges in your narrative.
Section 2.2: Understanding Market Needs
Having never represented a novel, I did manage a retail bicycle shop for nearly a decade, where I learned much about customer needs. Part of my role involved assessing which products to stock based on local demand, ensuring we offered items that resonated with our clientele.
To be an effective writer, it's not necessary to work as a professional agent, but understanding fundamental sales philosophies can be beneficial. When an agent indicates a lack of market for your manuscript, they do so based on informed insights.
The second video, "Stop Editing Students' Work For Them - YouTube," discusses the importance of allowing students to engage with their own writing process, emphasizing empowerment and growth in their skills.
Section 2.3: Gaining Empathy and Perspective
A significant source of confusion arises when we focus solely on our challenges, becoming blind to the struggles others face. I once thought all editors were overly critical, but after reviewing numerous submissions, I recognized that my responses were similar to theirs.
Stepping outside your bubble and exploring your profession from the standpoint of related fields can provide clarity. Writers must avoid an overreliance on their own perspectives. The craft of writing is layered with complexities that no single person can fully grasp. Building a trusted community of experts and valuing their insights is crucial for growth.