Reflection after Returning the Manuscript

According to Merriam-Webster Online:

Main Entry: copy editor

Function: noun

Date: 1899

1 : an editor who prepares copy for the typesetter

According to me:

Main Entry: copy editor

Function: to prevent me from being embarrassed when my words are published

Date: 19 July 2010

1 : a person who knows when to use “that” and when to use “which”

2: a magician who can say things using a third less words than me

3: someone who knows the rules of hyphens and capitalization

4: one who seeks out and destroys extra commas and replaces errant semicolons with commas

I returned my reviews of the manuscript to the editors at Stenhouse today. In contrast to Stacey I chose to review the copy editor’s comments electronically. I am thankful for this choice.

It was a humbling experience. In my email to Stenhouse I commented I would be “licking my wounds and convincing myself I am proficient enough to write a blog post.” 🙂

It feels good to be so close to the end of the process. Just as I would expect of my students, I’m going to take a minute to reflect on the process. One of the simplest reflections I ask of my students is to write five things they’ve learned or thought about due to the writing project. Here it goes . . . Five things I’ve learned or thought about while writing the book:

The things we tell ourselves while writing make a difference. I must be vigilant in turning off the voices that tell me I’m not good enough, I have nothing to say, or I shouldn’t be writing. At the same time I must replace these negative thoughts with positive ones.

I have time to write. It is a choice I make. At the same time, I choose to give up things to make time for writing. I’ve learned to write in the midst of noise and to write when the house needs dusting and to write when I only have a few minutes. A book is written a few minutes at a time.

Writing is fun. Now that the book is almost finished I feel a hole in my heart. I am itching to start another project. I think this means I’ve become a writer. I need to write like I need air.

It’s about time I learn when to use “that” and when to use “which.” I should also learn the rules of hyphens.

Coffee doesn’t taste like dirt.

Like Stacey, I’d love to answer any questions about the writing process. And if you are thinking about writing, stop thinking and start writing.