Professionalism should be held in the highest regard. Be clear on expectations from others and yourself. Be certain no rock is left unturned. Be sure to treat all work as if your career depends on it. Be attentive towards mistakes large and small. Be ready to defend all decisions. Don't blink.
Recently in Editor Credos Category
As an editor, I think the most important thing is to take the time to read each and every bit of text that needs to be scanned for errors and inconsistencies, and verify possible errors by consulting the appropriate style guide. Assuming things are spelled correctly and reported accurately shows laziness and leads to many of the errors that make it to print. I'm realistic enough to think that some mistakes are unavoidable, but I feel it is my responsibility to always try as hard as possible to avoid letting even the smallest of errors make it to print.
Journalism is an art, take pride in your work. Do not settle for anything less than perfect. Be respectful with everyone and have respect in everything you do. Plan ahead and don't be lazy. Always check the facts. When errors happen, there is always next time. Always be on the outlook for new and interesting stories, think new equals news. Always remember to take in others ideas, but at the end of the day, do what feels right to you
Every story, every time. There is no excuse for laziness. An error must pass over multiple eyes before reaching a paper, so an error is unacceptable. When re-reading three times is enough, do it once more. Check your facts, check your quotes. Double checking is a useful activity. Be accurate, fair, and do no harm.
Do not take shortcuts. When shortcuts are taken, mistakes are made. Mistakes can be prevented by checking, double-checking, triple-checking and so on. The worst mistakes are those that could have been prevented. Take the time to review your work for punctuation, objectivity and the credibility of all sources. Although time consuming, the extra effort will pay off. Do not be lazy!
Print the information the reader needs to know and wants to know. Always tell every side of the story and don't withhold or embellish the news. Always strive to be accurate. Be accountable for any mistakes you do make. At all times, be professional, be persistent, and be prepared.
It is an editor's responsibility to be fair and accurate. An editor should constantly be on the lookout for mistakes and be able to take responsibility for ones that make it to print. An editor should be able to put themselves in the reader's shoes. They should know their audience and be able to speak to them in a way the readers will understand and appreciate. An editor needs to fair to the people in the news. They should be able to see all standpoints on issues and address controversial topics in a nonbiased way. The editor must exude responsibility.
Respect everyone's work, but uphold a certain level of expectations for every article in order for it to be the best it can be. Be accountable for everything that you're editing. Be fair, accurate, and honest. Always double-check and triple-check everything. Don't overlook minor details because it's the details that can make a good article great. Run through the finish line every time by completing every task to the best of your ability, even the most tedious and miniscule ones.
At all times I will do my best to provide exceptional feedback to a writer's work. I will respectfully critique the writer's work in a way that helps improve the writer and not just the writing. I will not edit in a way that seeks to discourage the writer.
Take advantage of the fact that you're a perfectionist. It's not a bad thing. Look over every sentence as many times as you think it takes and don't be satisfied with something you don't feel comfortable with. Remember all the times you laughed at your hometown paper or television station for simple mistakes - don't be that editor. Credibility is everything in this business, without it you have nothing.
