26 Feb 2020: The Editing Project

Writing is difficult, any writer can tell you as much. However, I think editing is much more difficult, especially when it's someone else's work.

To make a long story short, I have been working on editing a book for someone I know since 2017, which has proven to be quite a challenge. I had agreed to the task without any previous professional editing experience. I was a freshly graduated English major who was simply interested in branching out and in gaining valuable experience while earning a small commission. How was I supposed to know how long it would take me?

Admittedly, the amount of time spent on this one book has made me feel quite guilty. I was very committed to the project for a while before I got burnt out and I also have been trying to keep up with my own writing and editing. I also have agreed to edit another book by the same person, which may be something I have to back down from after I've finished the project I'm currently on. That said, I'm determined to finish this book.

The hardest thing for me is actually committing to a task and following through on it, especially after a long day at work, but if I can get into a routine, I remain optimistic. Who knows? Maybe I'll be able to finish before the end of 2020!

Editing is a hard task and I am impressed by those who make a living on it, especially because I now know just how hard it actually is. To any editors reading this: you have magical powers and you should be proud.