Final Reflection
After I read through my initial reading reflection, I found that my answer is largely unchanged, but with some caveats and cautions. I wrote about how editing is a positive thing because it helps bridge a gap between fantastic ideas and the sometimes inability to articulate them effectively, and while I still stand by this, I think that there is something to be said about what is or isn’t an appropriate way for a writer to articulate themselves. The main caution that I think is important to keep in mind is the reasoning behind how we’re editing, or where the guidelines that we are using come from. Maybe that means adopting and adjusting different methods in order to be more inclusive, or more diverse in the type of language or writing styles that we are using, or maybe it is viewing our editing through different sociocultural lenses. Most importantly, keeping an open mind and line of dialogue can help us fall less into the role of gatekeeper, and more into a place of collaboration, care and creativity.
As for my own editing, I found that what changed the most in the way that I edited throughout the semester was just how much more actual editing I started doing of my own work. I confess, I was atrocious at editing things I’ve written. As the empress of procrastination, I had a habit of busting out whatever it was that I was writing within mere hours of its deadline, which often meant submitting whatever it was without much more than a second glance to check for anything that might be out of place or incorrect. I have since realized the error of my ways and have done exponentially more editing of my own work, which feels like growth as a writer and editor! I also realized with my editing journal just how much more emphasis I put on the structure and style of my writing and editing. I realized that previously I was spending most of my time line editing and spot checking for errors that could be fixed relatively quickly, but have put more effort into thinking about the overall tone of what I’m editing, and how the sentence actually fits within the broader writing itself.
I think it’s less of an edit in particular that stands out to me, but rather just the sheer amount of edits of me typing the wrong word and having to go back to change it to the correct one. What it illustrates for me, as a writer and editor, is how much I was previously relying on the spelling and grammar check within whatever word processor I was using. When the wrong word is input, rather than the wrong spelling, it’s not something that the checker normally picks up, leaving the mistake to go unnoticed in my haste to speed edit. Noticing this pattern has made me rely less on these tools, and pay more attention to what I’ve actually put on the page. While I still think that these tools are useful, and I still employ their use, it is more of a cursory check rather than the only or final edit that gets done. Knowing this has also helped me pay more attention while I’m writing in the first place, which seems to be making these errors occur a little less frequently.
This course has really affirmed my interest and drive to move towards working in editing, whether it be freelance or full time. When I came into this course, I simply had thought that it might allow me to do something that I’d already been engaging in more effectively, and give me some additional tools to consider this as a career path. While I’m still not one hundred percent sure what that career path will look like, or what sort of opportunities I want to seek out, I do know with more certainty that editing is a field that I really enjoy and that I could be successful in. This course has broadened my horizons in terms of editing, and given me different perspectives to view editing with. It is not simply making sure everything is spelled right. It is relational, and allows us to forge connections with people in order to bring creative work to life. It is a practice that is integral to any space that requires use of the written word. It can be used in many different applications, and across different fields or industries. Anyone that needs to communicate written information needs a second set of eyes, allowing for niches to form and people to find their place within the practice of editing. I think it is fitting that I took this class in my very last semester before graduation, as it really helped put a bow on why I came back to school in the first place. I do worry a bit about the use of things like artificial intelligence, and what kind of impact that will have on being able to find success as an editor, but only a little. While sure, fixing typos and spelling errors can be achieved by a system or machine, what can’t be replicated well is the human element that an editor has. We can work with authors to bring their intention to life in a way that a machine could not understand, and can help bring ideas forward that just need a different set of eyes and a little nurturing.
