My Editor Values Statement from ENC 6216 Editing Professional Writing taught me the importance of putting my values into words. I had always thought I knew my values as both a writer and an editor, but giving them definitions completely changed their meanings. By providing definitions for my values, I have been taught the importance of knowing your values and having them clearly defined. Since writing this document it has been easier for me to give a name to my three values, tell others about them, and keep them at the forefront of my mind when writing and editing. This document has helped keep me in check when editing the work of others by ensuring I give them honest feedback with empathy, clarity, and integrity. By using those values as a guide in my writing and editing career I have made valuable connections to other writers and helped their work grow with them, instead of hindering them. This in turn has helped me grow as a writer and editor. This document was intended to be given to clients to let them get to know me and my values. So that they could decide if I would be a good fit for them.
Editor Values Statement
Writing provides people with the opportunity to effectively communicate with the world around them, while editing makes that opportunity a reality. Editors help writers hone their skills by guiding them and helping them mold their pieces with empathy, clarity, and integrity. Each of these three principles provides me as an editor with the guidelines of how to help you, effectively communicate your idea.
- Empathy. Empathy is an essential principle of editing, that allows me to connect with you as the writer. Your piece is something you have worked hard on and that is something that shows through in your work. My job as an editor is to help you by carefully guiding your piece into what you yearn for it to be. Empathy also allows me to connect with the reader and take on their perspective through the editing process. It allows me to see the unique perspective of both the writer and the reader. Empathy gives me the opportunity to help you as the writer see the questions that a reader may have. Giving me the opportunity to get to know you better and know your audience. I know what it is like to place your work into the hands of an editor, I have been in your shoes before. My familiarity grants me empathy that helps me connect with you so that you can rest easy knowing that your work is in safe hands.
- Clarity. Clarity is a crucial principle in the editing process. Clarity is how well your reader can grasp what you have written. My job as an editor is to make sure that your piece is edited with clarity in mind. I know as an editor there are some things that you will have greater knowledge of than the reader or me. This means that I may ask you questions that might seem redundant to you, but they are important to the reader. I will edit for clarity by suggesting changes to the format, sentence structure, grammar, syntax, and overall flow of the document. I will look at the macro level (big picture) and the micro level (small details) to ensure that your piece is able to convey your meaning. In short, clarity helps the reader to better understand the content, granting you more effective communication.
- Integrity. Integrity is a principle that is needed to keep me in check. Integrity allows me to ensure that my work does not overstep its bounds. I keep my integrity in editing by ensuring I do not take over your piece, making sure your voice and intent ring true throughout the document, and providing you with the truth. Integrity gives me the grounds to be honest with you on what works, and what does not seem to fit. Integrity holds me accountable for my actions while also making sure I am giving you the best of my abilities which you have requested.
Each of these principles are universal values that can be applied to any piece, whether it is an instruction manual, social media post, essay, manuscript, website, or contract. No matter the specifics of the piece the same level of dedication will be provided for you because empathy, clarity, and integrity help me to do that. Each of these principles helps with the cohesiveness and effectiveness of your document. Ensuring effective communication with the reader. As an editor my job is to help your work become the best it can be, granting you effective communication.