I Got Told by an Editor That My Style of Writing Was Fake
It’s not just our readers who can determine our value, apparently
I recently read an essay by an editor about their loathing for certain writing topics and felt the views expressed put a distasteful wedge between themselves and the majority of the online writing community.
The unnecessary friction it created impelled me to defend myself, despite them personally assuring me that it wasn’t aimed as an attack.
For people who are working hard to get their work taken seriously throughout the numerous platforms out there, whilst doing their best to take pride in all that they do, to read something that basically calls them out for being “inauthentic” is a grave insult, which has definitely struck a few chords with me, personally.
Without getting into the specifics, as this editor and I do have an ongoing relationship, I wish to outline the points raised and share my own responses to them. I don’t think it’s moral to villainise other writers for having different styles, and I hope to make them feel less discouraged and more confident in what they continue to create.
Besmirching writers of certain interests
The following have been taken directly from the essay:
“Tired of seeing that in order to achieve their goals, these writers write stories about personal development, about how to succeed in life, about how to be happy, about how they did it and why you should do it, about their progress on [said platform], about money on [said platform].”
“I wish people were interested in everything, not just the topics that seem to predominate on the internet, i.e. personal development, productivity, entrepreneurship, money, business, marketing, growth, etc.”
“…where everyone is looking to be stronger, more productive, more successful, more admired, and where self-development has become the norm, before the interest of all.”
As much as I can agree that there’s a lot of content out there about how to make money writing online, I cannot rightly accept the points this person has made about writers of certain topics.
This is clearly based on personal preferences. It’s unfair to demote writers of such topics that “predominate on the internet” just because their content isn’t relevant to them.
A lot of people turn to their blogs not only as a means of getting the words out as a means of therapy — and sharing them within accepting communities — but also to find the support they need. Writers of self-improvement, personal development and “how to be happy” are extremely beneficial to many struggling alone. Calling them out negatively within a published essay is in bad taste.
Please don’t judge others so harshly because you don’t share the same interests.
There’s more than one style of creative writing
The editor and I both express matters of the heart with a personal view and share the value of an emotion-first approach. But what they don’t seem to accept is that more opportunities are arising for writers of all levels to incorporate such qualities into their online content.
Whether personal essays, blog posts or informative articles, creative storytelling is harnessing more entertaining and emotionally engaging reads to all those who find them valuable.
And, heaven forbid, even pay writers for doing so.
This statement was also taken directly from the essay:
“Don’t you find that when writing is not under the influence of money it has a much better and authentic flavour?”
I respect (and completely accept) that we are all different, and our writing topics, perspectives and styles reflect this. Despite what some may think, they each possess their own merit and authenticity.
Editors and publications that have garnered large followings and loyal readerships have a greater responsibility than most. Whether they know it or not, they hold a certain level of influence over others.
If they do choose to share candid truths with the intent of turning others against one another, then I think they need to realise this approach may not fly with everyone who reads it.
The world holds a variety of diverse voices. If we all wrote about the same thing, in the same style, for the same audience, then it would eventually make the reading experience pretty repetitive and pretty dull, wouldn’t it?
The only time the word “authenticity” should be used in the writing world is when it calls out plagiarism.
Financial motivation doesn’t matter
I personally take offence that someone should judge anyone’s desire to earn money through their passion and acquired skill set to have any negative strikes against their credibility as writers.
It’s uncomfortable to mention but I think it’s important to share here. I was once in a position where I couldn’t afford food one day. Along with the emergency measures I put in place, having those few extra coins in my bank account through blogging really meant a huge difference to my livelihood not so long ago.
We can all benefit from a bit of perspective.
We each come from different walks of life.
What may seem like something optional to one person may be absolutely essential for another.
The editor’s dream is “that everyone is on the same level, without any favouritism”. However, their essay not only contradicts this but also degrades many people who are genuinely on their own creative journeys — although travelling in different lanes.
Our personal “dreams” shouldn’t lead to others going without.
Anyone can — and should — write
Esteemed British Novelist, Martin Amis, puts this best in his latest novel Inside Story:
“Not everyone can paint or sculpt. Not everyone can act or sing. But everyone can write.”
As he describes it, writing is the most democratic form that doesn’t demand the same training and specialist equipment as the other arts do. Amis goes on to paraphrase the teachings of 17th-century English Poet, John Dryden by explaining:
“The purpose of writing is to give instruction and delight. But delight in the first place only because instruction accompanies delight. That was 1688. That’s held up very well, I think.”
If a person can successfully convey these fundamentals of writing within their work, regardless of what platform they use, then that should be enough for them to consider themselves as writers.
I’m sure it is arguable as to what makes a person a ‘true writer’, but we are in a day and age where there are so many platforms that encourage us all to become involved that it is archaic to believe it to be a position held only for an elite few.
Financial incentives aren’t dirtying the internet
Financial incentives have enabled writers to make the best out of the pandemic. Provided hope of earning despite a drought of opportunities and certain health issues hindering their ability to find (and keep) work.
It doesn’t sit well with me to read that an editor is trying hard to convince their followers that certain ones should end when they are — whether they accept this or not — directly reaping the benefits of it.
Without incentives like “earning through reads” attracting writers and platform members, publications might not grow their readership of genuinely interested and engaged readers.
Just because writers are attracted by financial incentives, doesn’t make them any less valid (and valued) members of online communities.
Takeaway points
- Not one writer’s journey is the same as the next, just as not one person’s life experiences are expected to be the same as another’s.
- All online writers and journalists who write to pay their wages are equally as valid as those who choose to write out of their pure passion for the craft.
- Just because someone is interested in earning through financial writing incentives, doesn’t mean they don’t possess and appreciate the virtues of authenticity and creativity.
- Just because someone utilises said financial incentives to enhance their own financial situations doesn’t make them any less worthy of calling themselves “real writers”.
- Writing is for everyone, so please don’t use your essay-writing gifts to try and segregate others.
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