Writing
Writing on Medium is a Trapeze Without a Net
The unsung value of an editor
Writing is generally a personal and lonely experience. Each book on my shelf was authored by a single person but there is a key difference between these hardbound writers and me. No, not the fame or ability, too obvious. The difference is something valuable that I am not privileged to have.
The light that revealed this gap to me was found in Dreyer’s English: an utterly correct guide to clarity and style by Benjamin Dryer. This book is highly informative, opinionated, and humorous but what struck me was the author’s credentials. Mr. Dryer is the Copy Chief at Random House and was the editor for E.L. Doctorow. When I read a really great writer, I just assume the words spilled out of them in perfection like morning dew on a new leaf. I don’t think about the rewrites, smudges, curses, and finally suggestions from an editor.
I know the work of Doctrow is great but I am not sure how bad (or good) my writing is. There are claps, views, reads, and hopefully comments but where is that guardian angel to watch over my usage? Grammarly will point out a few places where hyphens should be used and then suggest switching word order to make it appealing to third graders (sorry kids).
Yet writing without an editor these days is so commonplace that we rarely consider it. A bazillion blogs pour out content that has no second opinion on accuracy, structure, or style. Having an editor also ensures the writer’s voice is consistent and does not drift or veer from the intended destination.
The role of editors on Medium is to provide a light editorial review for glaring errors in spelling or grammar, ensure compliance with Medium guidelines, and keep the topic in line with publication goals. It is far too much to ask of a Medium editor to ensure style and content are the best possible for the individual author. So how do we grow as writers without a human editor that can grow with us?
A few solutions are available from some publications via Slack channel, Illumination being one. Other possible editors include using the draft link with friends and family — that you can trust to give honest opinions. Of course, if you are a bazillionaire you can put an editor on staff at the Lago Maggiore villa but I would seriously question your choice of using Medium as a platform.
If you are on a shoestring budget and want to take your writing to the next level, I recommend getting involved with a Slack group or pressing a friend into service.