Summary

September is designated as "Be Kind to Editors and Writers" Month, recognizing the unpaid efforts of Medium editors and the broader community of writers on the platform.

Abstract

September marks a special observance for the writing community on Medium, honoring the dedication and voluntary contributions of editors who ensure the smooth operation of numerous publications. This month-long celebration also extends gratitude to the thousands of writers who enrich the platform with their diverse content, despite the challenges of balancing writing commitments with personal and professional responsibilities. The article acknowledges the origins of this observance, which began in 1984 by Lone Star Publishing, and emphasizes the importance of appreciating and supporting editors and writers throughout the year, not just during the designated month.

Opinions

Editors are essential for refining writers' work and are commended for their selfless contribution as volunteers.
Writers face various life demands, yet they persist in their craft, often with the support of editors.
The article's author expresses surprise and delight upon discovering the dedicated month for editors and writers.
There is an appreciation for the quirky and obscure observances that September hosts, including "Be Kind to Editors and Writers" Month.
The author suggests that writers should trust editors to enhance their writing and expresses the need for mutual recognition and validation within the writing community.
A call to action is made for both writers and editors to share appreciation for each other's work, fostering a supportive environment.
The author personally thanks a list of editors and writers who have contributed to their growth and learning on the platform.
A referral link is provided for readers interested in supporting writers on Medium through a monthly membership or for those who wish to start writing on the platform.

CELEBRATING EDITORS & WRITERS

September is “Be Kind to Editors and Writers” Month

Remember, Medium editors are not paid — they are volunteers who help keep our publications running efficiently

Did you know this month is one to celebrate, cheer on, and thank our editors who work for free on Medium?

And it’s an occasion to give a shout-out to our fellow writers, too.

Take a moment to think about all of the publications operating on this platform. Someone earlier this year estimated there are over 10,000 Medium publications. I’ve not seen anything recently regarding the number of writers but I’m sure there are thousands more.

Most of us stick to writing our stories or articles — after finding our niche, or simply writing on whatever topic we want. Then there are those talented and brave individuals who start their own publications.

Most quickly realize how time-consuming and labor-intensive it is, and most recruit editors to help them as their publications grow.

Editors understand it’s not an easy gig — especially since there’s no pay involved. Some contribute their time and talent because they love the experience of editing, writing, and helping out their favorite publications.

Others become overwhelmed and throw in the towel. They simply do not have the time to fulfill their role responsibly because of other obligations.

There is no shame in that! Most of us have to juggle a number of bouncing balls while spinning plates and walking a tightrope. It is a proverbial balancing act!

Writing for this platform is also a commitment most of us must figure out. Some writers have full or part-time jobs. Others are retired by choice or for other reasons. Many of us have spouses, children, grand kiddos, and/or aging parents.

But despite the obstacles, the paucity of time, and the myriad of obligations tugging at us from all directions, we writers soldier on bolstered by editors who help us polish and refine our work.

I was happily surprised to learn several weeks ago September is national “Be Kind to Editors and Writers” month. I added this article to my ever-growing queue and researched how the observance came about.

In 1984, the owners of Lone Star Publishing in San Antonio, Texas were agitated. Like literary Rodney Dangerfields, they felt editors and writers weren’t getting their due respect and decided to do something about it.

I’m not sure what one must do to get an observance solidified into a calendar date (much less, a whole month), but whatever the Lone Star Publishing guys did, it has stuck for 38 years.

If you’re like me, I’m a bit bemused by these often obscure and sometimes quirky salutes. September is full of them. While some are familiar with Talk Like a Pirate Day (19th) and Responsible Dog Ownership Day (20th), how many of you knew September is also Organic Harvest Month and Update Your Resume Month?

So how exactly do we “celebrate” this month, and what can we do to be kind to our editors and fellow writers?

Regarding our editors, let’s try not to throw a fit if they whittle away excess wordiness from our prose. They want to make our work shine — they’re not looking to impose their will upon us.

Remember what William Faulkner had to say on that subject — although I’d disagree and argue that it wasn’t only Southerners.

“Only Southerners have taken horsewhips and pistols to editors about the treatment or maltreatment of their manuscript. This–-the actual pistols–-was in the old days, of course, we no longer succumb to the impulse. But it is still there, within us.”

Let’s encourage our editors and trust them to make us better writers. And then thank them for their efforts.

Likewise, editors could give an occasional shout-out to their regular writers who fill their publications with funny, inspiring, informative, heart-rendering, and educational pieces.

Without great articles, their publications would not thrive — or even survive.

In other words, let’s share the love. We are all here to give something, and hopefully to receive.

Writers want — no, they need — validation for their words, their work. Editors too want to be acknowledged and recognized for their unsung efforts.

We don’t really need an occasion to be kind to editors and writers. We just need to do it.

These are some editors and writers I’d like to thank for helping me along the way. I’m bound to leave some out and for that, I apologize.

I rarely do tags or round-ups of any sort but I can honestly say I have learned from every one of these writers and editors. Things I written in my notebook saved to reread again . . . and am still learning from.

Louise Peacock Pam Winter Mike Butler Carole Olsen Christine Schoenwald Sherry McGuinn Leonora Watkins Elizabeth Emerald Susan Wheelock Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles Mary Chang Story Writer Scot Butwell Hogan Torah KiKi Walter Patrick Diamond Sara Burdick Brian Dickens Barrabee Janet Meisel Maria Rattray Susie Kearley Jan Sebastian Natasha Nichole Lake Nicole Hilbig Nicole Drake Klara Jane Holloway Sally Prag Laurellynn Miss Catherine La Grange, spinster Joel Eisenberg Roz Warren Bebe Nicholson Deb Groves Harman Mary McGrath Pamela Kazmierczak TzeLin Sam Leonard Tillerman J.J. Pryor Bicho (completely hacked!) Beth Bach

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