While editing focuses on your readers, changes are merely for convenience.
Sometimes potential clients email me a section of their project and ask what kind of changes I would make if I were their editor. When I send back my sample edit, I always explain that changes are different from edits. Edits focus on readers. Editing works on improving clarity, consistency, and conciseness, not making changes. Changes are made for convenience or to obey rules. As an editor, I don’t make changes. You want your readers to grasp your ideas quickly, without being distracted by punctuation errors or confusing grammatical constructions. That’s where I come in. When I’m editing a document, I protect your voice as a writer and suggest edits that allow readers to stay focused on your ideas. Any edits I propose are for the sole purpose of strengthening your words. Readers value clear, consistent, and concise writing; that’s what we want to provide for them. Although making changes won’t help you achieve that goal, editing will.
New Year, New Goals
If you’re considering making a resolution this year, I encourage you to think about your resolution like an editor thinks about a proposed edit. What purpose will this resolution serve? Will it help you achieve one of your life goals? Is it going to help you connect better with the people you care about the most? Will the resolution help remove stress or complications from your life? If so, that’s a valuable undertaking. Otherwise, remember—change for change’s sake isn’t necessarily good or worthwhile.
As we move into the new year, I wish you success with your resolutions. If you’ve resolved to provide straightforward, well-organized writing for your readers, contact me! I’d love to learn more about your project and work with you to provide edits that will make your writing bulletproof.