Your Blog as Editorial Assistant

Words

A friend, who is completing her dissertation, recently hired an editor. My friend is an excellent writer, so it is not lack of skills that pushed her to this decision, but rather a sense that her writing could use some “new” eyes and a push of momentum.

The program she is in now requires those entering to hire editors for their dissertations, so valued is the editorial process.

I have come to realize that blogging is one of the best editorial assistants with which one can engage.

My blog has frequently served as editorial assistant for me. I don’t know about all bloggers- but blogging has certainly helped me realize the words I most commonly misspell, words I commonly misuse, the phrases I use and over-use, my tendency to ramble, my love of – dashes-, and my “f*** it” attitude to some writing conventions at times.

I mean seriously, I have a PhdD, so I have written my fair bit. But, I have found myself on more than one occasion (a common misspell for me 🙂 ) looking up the definition of some word I want use in my blog posting.

Thank goodness for the “proofread” function. (Although I am shocked after posting something at the number of errors which have escaped my eyes and mind.)

My blog is also editor, the deciding factor as to what makes it to the public eye and what remains private and in “idea only” format. I don’t know why some things make it into my blog and some things do not. There seems to be an editorial trip wire between my blog and I- I propose an idea in my mind and my blog, like any good editor, embraces it with open arms or shuts it down before it begins.

I think one of the greatest joys in life is to continue to learn. (That is the teacher in me speaking, of course.) And blogging has taught me so much. I have also seen how blogging helps me in my work, both as a faculty member and consultant with publishing companies. There is something about blogging and writing frequently that keeps the engine primed (is that the correct saying??- see this is another thing I would commonly look up. ) When a writing project crosses my desk, I tackle it with a speed I have never experienced before.

I would, however, like to say “Thank Goodness” for the ease of the internet. I am sure I would have embarrassed my self with much greater frequency if it were not for the ease of the quick look-up of words and definitions.

I wonder for how many other bloggers the act of blogging has served the role of editor.
Happy Writing.