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Legacy Project
Legacy Project
When I graduated senior year, I wanted to ensure that my experience was not lost with me. To prepare future editors to take on the role I once had, I made a personalized notebook specific to them and guide to data journalism.
My Process
My Process
I love editing and spend an hour on most stories so it is something I work diligently for. I always start with a text or conversation with the writer to see how they felt about the first draft and if there is anything that they know they want to improve but request specific and targeting advice. Once I understand the writer's perspective and needs, I commence my initial read-through and comment on any glaring errors or "mic-drop lines" then.
After that, I go into my more major edits: making sure the angle is fleshed, determining if the order makes sense, and making sure the sources are diverse. I then go into line edits, especially targeting the lead and often encouraging more partial quotes.
Finally, I partake in my favorite step which is my endnotes. Often texts can have dozens and dozens of edits so I like to summarize my main ideas in bullet points at the bottom of every piece. My goal is to never fail to highlight what the writer did well, and I always try to give precise instructions on what to tackle without telling them how exactly to tackle it as they should try first themselves.
Whenever I can, I also love to call my staffers or speak with them on purpose to go through my edits with them to ensure understanding with both parties.
Editor Training
Editor Training
When potential editors were choosing which positions to apply to, I hosted an information session so they could all learn the responsibilities of being a coverage editor. Once the new ones were chosen, I began meeting with them to discuss their goals and how I can help them achieve them. As they begin to edit stories, I go through the edited doc and point out things I loved that they did or things I think they should look out for in their next round of edits. I always ask first before I do that, but I know that that is sometimes I would have appreciated as a new editor and I want to give them all the resources they can have. This also goes for individuals not assuming my position, but I do find It harder to directly help them when I don't have the experience In the position they are taking.
Here is a brief and generic example of my "edit reports"
"Hey! I left some edits on the doc but wanted to text you some of my thoughts for you. Though the writer already applied all your line edits, I went into the history and did some digging on what you did and I am very impressed. You have a good mix of the more general article edits along with the specific line-level things that are so important for 1st draft. I love your explanations of the edits and your refrain from just doing it for the writer and rather explaining what they should do and why bc that is how we all learn. I think I would focus on your round two edits making each paragraph more digestible (aka split some in half) and making it timely and with hyperlinks and data to support his ideas. "
Budgets and Organization
Budgets and Organization
The summer before my senior year, I completed Excel training and was fortunate to intern with an engineering company where I felt like I nailed spreadsheet skills. These newfound skills transferred to how I work as a managing editor, including utilizing formulas and efficient grading.
Below are some examples of my budgets and spreadsheet systems for task tracking:
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