Want To Be A Better Writer? Become An Editor!

Many writers, unfortunately, are unable to give up their day jobs to write full-time. However, while finding ways to make money through your writing can take time and considerable effort, there are some fantastic career options out there. Ones that can help pay the bills and contribute to improving your writing at the same time.

One of these is becoming an editor. Considering a career as an editor is a smart move and can not only become a lucrative and rewarding job that you enjoy day to day, but it can also help you advance your writing career as well.

So how does being an editor help you become a better writer? Let’s take a look.

You read lots

The more you read, the more you’ll naturally absorb good writing lessons. Being an editor, of course, requires a lot of reading - and while everything that gets sent your way might not be mind-blowing fiction, you’ll get a lot of exposure into different genres and styles of writing which you can use to inspire and influence your own.

You'll have perfect grammar

Of course, one thing that is hugely off-putting for agents and publishers is a poorly edited manuscript. Becoming an editor will require you to be an absolute perfectionist when it comes to spelling, punctuation and grammar - key requirements of any manuscript that wants to stand a chance of being taken seriously. Becoming a grammar buff will mean your writing will include fewer mistakes from the outset, but also you’ll easily be able to identify them when you edit your own work, and then present a flawless manuscript to agents and publishers when it’s time to send yours off.

You'll understand what works (and what doesn't)

Being an editor will help you figure out what makes a great story. The more manuscripts you edit, the more you’ll become aware of patterns and elements of those you enjoy and don’t have to correct much, and those you can’t get into and that need a lot more work. Understanding the distinction is invaluable when it comes to writing your own stories.

You'll find the editing stage a lot easier

If you are already a professional editor, when it comes to editing your own work, you are going to find this a lot easier. Being an editor, you’ll have a trained eye and a better ability to step back from your work and look at it objectively. This will help you be more ruthless and be able to cut down and spot inconstancies and errors easier which will make the process of editing your book a lot quicker and more satisfying too. Plus you won’t have to enlist and pay for the services of a professional editor - so it’s a win-win!

Do you think you have got what it takes to become an editor? Doing so could be the ideal career for a writer and will pay the bills  - until you become a bestselling author yourself that is!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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