The Power of Words. What can an editor do to help a writer?

11/5/97
Part 2: What can an editor do
to help a writer?

Part 1: What can a writer do to help an editor?
Part 3: How reporters hinder editors
Part 4: How editors hinder reporters

       Recently, a group of reporters and editors sat down and tried to come up with a series of lists on how they could work together. The first, and most fundamental rule everyone agreed, was to try and remember that the story is more important than either the writer or the editor.
       As we mentioned in a recent posting, that was not all that was decided. The group talked about how editors and writers can help each other, and hinder each other. This is the second of four lists that will be offered:
       What can an editor do to help a writer?
       Honor the writer. It is the writer's name on the byline; the editor's role is behind the scenes.
       Demand the best from the writer.
       Come up with great ideas, and find the time for writers to work on them.
       Realize that some writers don't talk a good story but can write one.
       Listen. Open your mind and be willing to admit you can learn something.
       Confer. Communicate as much as possible with writers. Tell them what you want and don't want. Give them reasons.
       Be flexible, willing to change your mind about a story as the writer brings forward new information.
       Admit if a story idea is not working or if the story is not there.
       Talk over stories before they are written.
Raise the questions a reader would ask. Suggest information that should be included.
       Give the writer as much time as reasonably possible to write.
       Brainstorm, when a writer is stuck.
       Know when to leave a writer alone.
       Take ample time once the writer gives you the story.
       Concentrate on the story, be thorough.
       Provide the necessary distance and perspective.
       Tell the writer how the story made you feel.
       Read the copy out loud -- by yourself, or with the writer present.
       Point out breakdowns in the logical flow of a story, and suggest alternatives.
       Suggest through questions and be tenacious when you ask them.
       Change copy only if the change will make the story more complete, accurate, or readable.
       Respect the voice, rhythm, and style of a story; then work to improve the story.
       Be kind. Remember -- egos are fragile.
       Don't treat writers as children. Be supportive, not with fradulent pats on the head but with useful criticisms and compliments when deserved.
       Remember that psychologically bad editing is far worse than technically bad editing. An editing mistake may be remembered by a writer for a week; a mistake in handling the writer may be remembered for a lifetime.
       Become an advocate to get the story published.
       Check with the writer before assuming that the story is wrong.
       Back up the writer when the going gets tough.
       Keep a sense of humor.
       Read the newspaper.

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