Sometimes at PRT, we hear that a writer—who may have spent a good deal of time preparing an article for this newspaper—is irritated by the editing that’s been done to his or her writing. We can all appreciate proofing for grammar errors and typos. But what about when someone changes our carefully chosen wording? Maybe eliminates a paragraph or even changes the structure of the article?
Some of the writing contributed to PRT needs little or no editing. But most of us develop a sort of tunnel vision after working on a piece of writing for hours. We can become so attached to some phrase or paragraph we’ve labored over that it’s difficult to see it as a reader would. Having put together an article so that it makes sense to us, we are puzzled to hear that some (%#!!%&**) editor thinks part of it doesn’t read well.
David Shipley is a former editor of the New York Times Op-Ed page. Below is an excerpt from an article he wrote (What We Talk About When We Talk About Editing, New York Times, 7/31/05) on the editing process:
“Besides grammar and accuracy, we’re also concerned about readability. Our editors try to approach articles as average readers who know nothing about the subject. They may ask if a point is clear, if a writer needs transitional language to bridge the gap between two seemingly separate points, if a leap of logic has been made without sufficient explanation. To make a piece as clear and accessible as possible, the editor may add a transition, cut a section that goes off point or move a paragraph.”
Although Shipley’s comments were written in reference to Op/Ed submittals, they apply to any article in a news publication. Even the writing of seasoned professionals is subject to such revision, because no matter whose name appears in the byline, it is the quality of the newspaper that is reflected in how it is written.
If PRT edits your article beyond typos and grammar, it is your right to see and approve—or disapprove—the edited version before it goes to print. We are working to assure that all writers whose articles have been revised are shown the edited version before we publish it.
And, just so you know, this article has been edited. Changes have been suggested—and gratefully accepted. Well, most of them.