Writing for public consumption – that is, to be read – requires boldness and a touch of arrogance. Even writers who experience self-doubt (is there any other kind?) must embrace ego. Or they don’t write.
Editors are different. They must exhibit humility. Exhibit because presuming as first reader to stand in for all readers requires an arrogance all its own. But good editors lead with humility.
Humility about grammar, word use, punctuation and all the arcana that no editor can fully master. How many times must we check the proper use of “lay” and “lie”? Some 227,493 times – and counting. Just do it.
Humility, too, about reader needs. Writers, but especially editors, must put themselves in readers’ frames of reference. Will this word or sentence or essay make sense to a mind not between my own ears? Editors thus cede ego to imagined readers.
And humility especially about writers. Good editors find faults and fix them, focusing on the text. Great editors find excellence in writers and help them find their grace, putting people first. The best approach in editing – and life.
Words about words
You, too, can be an apostrophe warrior
A gentle grammarian and her table
Long live the New Yorker! Long live good editors.