22 Comments

As an editor, I approve of this post. ;-)

Expand full comment

This is hilarious, and oh so relatable. As someone who’s new to writing world, I’m definitely experiencing it. I find it difficult to edit my document and not to mention the fact that I feel every word written by me is master piece. Oh well! Getting there.

PS: I love your vibe, energy and writing style.

Expand full comment

I have really enjoyed working with some good editors, and learned a lot from them. I learned how to get what I want from editors by giving them what they want. When I first started writing for newspapers and magazines, it was to promote the sport of Landyachting. I got a small book out of the library I called the sports editor of New Zealand's national editor and asked for his advice. Next thing you know he takes me into his newsroom and shows me exactly how it all works, the pile of stories that were coming in by the minute. He told me what he needed and I was the only person who had actually gone to him and asked him. It was a huge success which resulted in amazing coverage for our sport, including international TV shows coming down watch us race, as well as international sports magazines. Shortly after that, in my corporate role, I sacked our retained writing agency and took over writing my own stories. You've reminded me of another story I need to write lol. I have had some great editors, who have helped me. I would also affirm, editing your own work is very difficult. I've had columns which were untouched by editors, because people liked my style, which was often conversational, but I've also had sage advice from people who helped me grow.

Expand full comment

I love this. Told with great wit too! Editing our own work is so difficult. There are a tools that can help with spelling and grammar but they can equally be distracting and cramp our writing style.

Expand full comment

I was grateful to read this tonight, thank you for sharing. I actually had some good belly laughs in a couple spots. The seppuku bit really got me. I have this great visual now to catch myself when I’m being a “two-hat wearing idiot.”

Expand full comment

Well written (With an editor's help, perhaps?) !

Its insane how the experience differs from scientific publications. I edit the articles my students and postdocs write, but only because I supervised the work, and not because I am a trained for it. Naturally, the experience is much less profound and eye-opening for the writers. I guess the scientific profession barely teaches us to write effectively, much less edit. And definitely no copywriters. Once I started writing on Substack, I discovered I love to write. Which isn't surprising in itself, unless you consider I have a dozen published articles, but loathed writing them.

My biggest realization? If you don't like writing, its likely because you are not allowed to be truly creative. I wish we had a Bennett to give us the right motivation, but oh well...

Expand full comment

Great article! I will need an editor for my memoir in progress. Should I wait till its done ( God knows when) or do this soon to improve my writing & my own editing process?

Expand full comment
Sep 19, 2022Liked by Matt Zamudio

very enjoyable and informative. Your writing is clearly benefitting from the 2 hat system.

Expand full comment

Matt, So do you take in laundry and do a little editing on the side? I'm working on a book ... actually an autobiography for a friend. Been published since 88, got a book self published in 2016 It would be good to finish before we expire, I'm 80 and he's 92. Actually it's a good book but there will be a point where I need a read... and a publisher if you're in the mood... Can't thank you enough for just popping up like this. Fuzz

Expand full comment

Thank you! Yes, very helpful! Enjoy your writing time!

Expand full comment