Ideas on how to get into editing.

[Zuliac]

Language is amazing. It is what helps us learn and sets us apart from other animals.

Struggles integrating with social norms have given me a deep interest in understanding effective communication. As a result, I love to write. In fact, like many with Asperger's, I communicate far more effectively through writing than I can verbally. When someone talks to me, sometimes I feel like a deer in headlights.

I believe that several Asperger's traits, like the famous attention to detail, an affinity for structure, and the "obsessive" thinking that makes us strive for perfection, have made me a particularly good writer.

In addition, our tendencies for deep thinking and philosophy, unbridled honesty, and tempered emotional responses make me feel particularly well-suited for editing. I have already done some copyediting for websites, business papers, academic papers, and presentations, but I did these more for my own enjoyment - as a challenge.

There is a lot of bad writing out there.

But as I come to terms with this aspie life and try to find a way to integrate into the world in a meaningful way, I find editing professionally more and more appealing. It is one of those professions, though, with no clear path for breaking in. To make it more difficult, I do not live in America (my country of origin) anymore, meaning any work I do has to be remote.

I would one day like to work for a publishing firm editing books or even trade magazines. Does anyone have any suggestions on a path toward professional editing that does not require me to network face-to-face or be on-site for a job? I'd love to hear your insights.

 

[Peter Morrison]

You might be able to identify an online media outlet that would find your articles or essays interesting and worth including on their site. Those who are in a position to hire you as a writer or editor need to know who you are and that you are available. There is an endless supply of online news and information websites that might pick up one of your stories for publication. I can only imagine that a good editor is probably a good writer as well. Seek out a cause or subject that interests you and submit your work.

I agree that there is a lot of bad writing coming out of reputable news outlets. I used to blame that on the fact that true journalism is nearly dead. Many online articles should be screened for errors born of spell-check blunders, a lack of adherence to grammatical rules, and really poor vocabulary on the part of the writer. Everyone needs a good editor. That second pair of eyes is the best critique of written work. Editing seems to be your serious passion, so let the ones who matter see your work.

Publishing freely is one of the best outcomes of our world wide web. Everyone gets a voice, but we are not all professional writers. There is a place for you in all of this.

 

[tducey]

Maybe check into contacting a newspaper or magazine editor and get them to look at some of your writings, good luck.

 

[Khendra]

I wanted to be an editor/proofreader of some sort, particularly of dictionaries. However, I learned that it's very difficult to break into the field. Most publishing companies are in very large cities, so if you're not near one and can't relocate, it's just not feasible.