Fostering New Connections
Fostering New Connections
As the Head Copy Editor on The Muse, I work with every section. However, the most frequent faces I see are my own copy staffers: Jeremiah, Charlotte, and Duaa. My approach to leadership requires a few key aspects: support, appreciation, and education. I make an effort to ensure my staffers know, without a doubt, that I support them and I am here for them. Whether it is answering questions or an enthusiastic high-five, I am there to guide and encourage. I like to emphasize that no question is a dumb question, and rather than just giving a critique or an answer, I explain the why and how behind it in order to ensure a full understanding. As for appreciation, the copy section is full of different mindsets, viewpoints, and personalities, and I find that our uniqueness is a strength. We each have something to bring to the table, and we can learn from each other's thoughts and experiences. When it comes to education, our publication uses the AP Stylebook and rarely deviates from those rules. Before school started, we hosted training sessions so the section would be familiar with the material before they were working with it every time they edited. As the year progresses, we continue to review the AP Stylebook and collaborate on ways to improve the entire staff's knowledge of copy.
"Yemaya is a one-of-a-kind editor who is friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic. She serves as a great inspiration to our copy section, and I very much enjoy working with her."
"Yemaya has added so much to the copy section this year. She is constantly immersing herself in AP style and asking questions to improve her editing process. I really appreciate her contribution to the staff!"
In newsmagazine format, there is no option to rewind or replay what was said. Readers do not stop and ponder the meaning of a sentence past their first read. It is important for them to understand what the writer means the first time around.
Keeping it short and sweet for our readers is a big part of working on a publication, and as a copy staffer, it is important that I help the writers keep sentences brief and clear at the same time.
Using the AP Stylebook as a guide across all of our content creates a sense of uniformity, and we know this style is correct.Â
The structure of a publication allows people to create a final product together. Each section has a role, and staffers within those sections have roles. After working in one position, I decided to try working in a different one.
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