When you think of the writer-editor relationship, you probably envision an editor marking up your manuscript, correcting typos, and making suggestion to improve the document’s readability.
While those tasks are certainly tackled with any edit, collaboration between writer and editor can deliver additional unexpected benefits that you, the writer, can carry with you as you continue to research, write, and publish. Check them out!
1. Polished Grammar
Every writer incorporates grammar miscues into their document, usually unknowingly. For example, I recently worked with a client who used “which” almost exclusively, never using “that” when appropriate. The client inquired about why I changed many instances of “which” to “that,” which allowed us to discuss how to use both words appropriately. That quick grammar review offered insight that the client can apply to every manuscript moving forward.
2. Style Advice
Style guides have regular updates, so staying on top of those changes is a must for academic writers. You can expect your editor to correct any style errors in your manuscript. However, when I see recurring errors, I take it a step further and share the style guide rule with the writer so that they’re aware of it. So, working with an editor can give you quick and easy style lessons that don’t require pulling out that bulky manual and looking up the rules.
3. Writing Confidence
Some of my clients begin our collaboration by apologizing for their writing or bringing up their concerns with the manuscript. While it’s always good to hear areas of concern so I can focus on them during my edit, apologies about the quality of their writing are never necessary. Reviewing your editor’s corrections can build your writing skills and, in turn, develop your confidence in your own writing.
A good editor sees the writer-editor relationship as a collaborative one, with a shared goal of improving the paper and the writer’s confidence and skills at the same time. If you’re ready to work with an editor, I’m available and scheduling projects for 2021!