2 simple tricks to make editors and writers work together
There is a fine line between what it takes to be a great writer and a great copy editor. Both work symbiotically but each have their own perception of what good writing is all about. There’s the relentless writer, the one who writes daily and pours his heart and soul into every project. And then there’s the copy-editor, the person that speaks volumes by editing quantity. Each have their strengths that when combined, become a greater force for good. Here’s how to get them to work together:
A common goal
It is easier to reflect upon what you’ve written when the goal of the organisation is coherent and agreed upon from a philosophical level. For example, if the content is for fintech sponsorships in Bangkok, then the deep coherent message for the writer and the editor to talk about would be the happenings of the industry and their impact from a B2B perspective. However, if the editor isn’t clear about his vision, then the writer can’t perform his duties to the finest.
A common result
The result at the end of the day matters. Experiments can be made across writing and proofing. However, if neither produces results, then both need to rethink their approach drastically. When both parties agree upon a common result, it creates a symbiotic relationship between them to reach that final goal wherein they can add value to each other’s work.
Here’s what CopyBlogger has to say about the timeless art of writing – “It’s been called the ‘hobgoblin of little minds’, but consistency in our thoughts and actions is a valued social trait. We don’t want to appear inconsistent, since, whether fair or not, that characteristic is associated with instability and flightiness, while consistency is associated with integrity and rational behavior. Use this in your writing by getting the reader to agree with something up front that most people would have a hard time disagreeing with. Then rigorously make your case, with plenty of supporting evidence, all while relating your ultimate point back to the opening scenario that’s already been accepted.”
Consistency is key here, and writers and editors who consistently work together to create a strong brand value are the winners in 2017.
Maria Popova of Brain Pickings has some amazing insights about writing and editing. I can’t forget her amazing quote that she gave in the podcast with Tim Ferris – “Why put in the effort to explain why it isn’t a fit, if they haven’t done the homework to determine if it is a fit?”
What makes a great team is the ability of its members to believe in a higher cause that their own petty egos.
Some of the greatest publishing houses in the world have a symbiotic relationship between the writers and the publishers. From Huffington Post to Yahoo!, each have their own style of content but similar style of writing and publishing. The greatest teams have the biggest impact in the publishing space.
