Is 2024 the year you work with an editor?
When I was writing the content for my business website, my biggest fear was leaving a typo. In my head the thought was constantly playing, How embarrassing would it be to have a typo on an editing and proofreading website?! As a true believer in my business strategy that everyone needs a proofreader, I enlisted no less than four people to proofread my website. This resulted in different opinions and thoughts on what I should change, all of which I valued, but not all of which I agreed with. This experience—even though I didn’t know it at the time—helped me to grow as an editor, in addition to perfecting my website.
If I had known then what I know now, I would have enlisted the help of a professional instead. Not because I didn’t get valuable feedback from my family and friends, because I very much did, but because it would have made the process more streamlined, simple, and quick. Gone would be the thoughts: what are these suggestions based in? Are they using a small business lens? Why are they making the suggestions they’re making, or is it just personal preference? Instead I would have known the edits came from professional knowledge and experienced decision making, and saved me the time of wondering and waffling. It would have helped me feel confident in my content. Now as an editor, I think about these things while working on others’ projects, because I know how it feels.
Projects with your writing can also be deeply personal, and receiving feedback isn’t always easy. Feedback from people close to you can sometimes be even harder to digest. Working with a professional can alleviate this potential awkwardness or hurt feelings, knowing suggestions are coming from a specific guide and professional opinion. Personally, I’m trained in the Chicago Manual of Style (the standard style guide for books), and I make my edits based on that. I also know that style and keeping the author’s voice matters too, especially in projects like websites, so I always communicate if it’s a stylistic choice and why. Yes, I am an over-communicator, but doesn’t everyone appreciate the why behind suggestions? No one wants to be told to do something and not understand why they’re doing it—just ask my two-year-old son!
So YES—this newsletter is all about trying to convince you that 2024 is the year you should hire an editor. Are you starting a website for a personal project? Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a blog but haven’t felt ready or confident. Is your business in need of a newsletter, but you’re not a strong writer? The list goes on and on because there are limitless possibilities in this sweet life, and this is your sign to JUST DO IT this year! Many times the difference between something happening or not happening is as simple as making the conscious decision to do it. So, start it. Do it. Let’s go! And let us help you be confident while doing it.
Emerald City Editing is thrilled to continue to work with small and independent business owners in this beautiful community. I have been touched by the connections and coffee (& beer!) meet-ups I’ve had with some wonderful individuals. I want to give a big shout out to Sip & Ship’s Women in Business events that have connected me with so many inspiring women. These connections have been a personal highlight of starting a business. I can’t wait to see who else I get to know in 2024. Will it be you?
