The Subtext has a revitalised site! https://lnkd.in/gNX8EgQx Seeing it got me reminiscing… The first time I sent a piece to The Subtext, it was a shrug of a pitch. I don’t know if you could even call it a pitch. In a phishy touch, I neglected to describe what was in the gdoc I’d linked to (I can’t remember if that was a deliberate move on my part to cultivate mystique but it’s a risky way to pitch something). And the email closed with me offering an easy out: “Might be too flippant for The Subtext, which is so fine. All the same, I hope it elicits a smirk, *possibly* even a chuckle.” [Pitch Tip 1: Don’t give people a reason to say no before they’ve actually engaged with the thing. Pitch Tip 2: Even if you have a clear sense of what usually gets published on a site, don’t presume that what you’re offering is unsuitable/unworthy.] Seven months on, and we’ve done six pieces together. The ‘we’ is me, Carissa Justice, and Pamela Henman. We’ve collaborated via call, email, and shared doc (good vibes, good notes). And when I think of those interactions now, they add up to a pleasant lesson in what makes a good editor (or editors, in this case). When something isn’t working, but you can’t put your finger on why, a good editor can usually see a way forward (you may not agree with it but you prob also stare into the mouths of gift horses). Lose that. Bring this in earlier. Is that clear enough? Will this be funny to anyone who isn’t you? A good editor cuts with precision and challenges with care. A good editor gets what you’re trying to do (even if you’re not entirely sure yourself) and encourages you to try stuff out (even if you’ve got your doubts). They’re present but never obtrusive—their aim is to serve, not stifle. Ultimately, a good editor, as I’m reminded every time I work with The Subtext team, is on a mission to make your piece as *you* as it can be. They want to extract your best. So, congrats on the fresh site, thanks for making me sound more like me, and here’s to many more shared docs! *For the record, and because my nature dictates that it must always be about me: I prefer editing to writing. No blank page/white abyss to contend with, plus you get to attempt all the things I just noted.
Dan Steiner’s Post
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Founder, Creative Director @ Nimble Creative & The Subtext
1moDan! Are you trying to make me cry? Stop it. But also thank you for being the absolute best. And for the endless chuckles and good times in this wild world of writing.