A hoy hoy. September 8th is International Literacy Day, people. Up in the HQ, language is our bread and butter, so this day holds a special place for us. What’s better than the right words, expressing the right message, being read by the right audience? Nothin’, that’s what! Our copywriter’s gonna fill you in on how working with an editor can get you there!
First Draft
When I first considered celebrating International Literacy Day by writing about the need and role of an editor, I got to be honest, I was a little miffed. I felt literacy and editors didn’t necessarily mix. Literacy is about equity. Opportunity. Self-reflection and personal growth. It’s about big picture, life-changing things. Hiring an editor is about … what? Perfection? That just didn’t jive with me.
Editing My Thinking
But yet, I had a task to complete, so I settled in to use that good ole’ critically literate mind of mine to edit my thinking. I’d used editors in the past, but what does an editor do, really?
Editors are a breed of their own. Their job is not to make your writing, or your grammar, or your spelling perfect. Instead, it’s their job to push you to be better and to help you achieve higher levels of success and communication than you could reach on your own.
Then it hit me. That’s also what we want from universal literacy: better, brighter futures.
Why You Need an Editor
Now with my high horse out of the way, let’s get into how an editor can help you achieve that future through your writing.
1. Impartial Input
All writing is personal. You pour your heart and soul into every word that leaves your pen or springs from your keyboard, so it can be hard to let go and look at your own beautiful, perfect creations with a critical eye. You may not see confusing phrases, small gaps in logic, or missing key information. That’s where an editor can help. They give the impartial second opinion we need, even if we don’t know it.
2. Sights on Strengths
If you haven’t already gathered, I’m not one to push perfection or penalize writing, so I’m certainly not going to suggest that an editor will only point out what’s “wrong” with your work. A good editor will also point out what you’re killing it at! They’ll recognize your writing strengths and help you put them to use in other areas of your work.
3. Worthwhile Work
Whether you’re new to the craft or consider yourself an expert, the most important reason you need an editor is because your writing is worth it. No one can express your idea, your vision, or your story like you can. I promise you, you’re doing worthwhile work, and it deserves to look its best. An editor will ensure your message is being communicated to its fullest potential, is reaching its intended audience, and is appropriate for your desired mediums.
Final revision
However you decide to celebrate this International Literacy Day — whether you’re teaching English to little kids, involved in senior citizens’ digital media programs, or simply picking up a book or a pen for the first time in a while — don’t be fooled by images of red ink. Know that an editor can help you get your message out there.
We might strive for perfection as a team, but there’s more to literacy than that. We’re familiar with challenging work, rounds (and rounds and rounds) of edits, and growing our message. To find out more about how our team can boost your writing to new levels, reach out!
Looking forward,
Dc
