September is a month set aside for people to be kind to editors and writers. Actually, we should be kind to editors and writers every month, even every day. We should be kind to every person–no matter who they are or what they do. We should be kind even if the other person isn’t kind in return. We don’t know their situation. Maybe they had some bad news or don’t feel well or have just been treated badly by someone else. Even if they are just naturally negative, we should not act like they do.
Kindness Tips for Writers and Editors
- If you are not in the writing world yourself, you can be kind to editors and writers by expressing interest in their professions when you are introduced.
- If you are a writer, you can be kind to editors by showing respect for their suggestions. You can disagree with your editor but do it with respect and appreciation for their ideas.
- If you an editor, you can be kind to writers by including positive as well as negative feedback on their work. You can show respect for the writer’s work and give positive feedback as well as negative and couch your negative feedback respectfully.
What Others Say
According to La Conner Weekly News: “The month was established in 1984 by Lone Star Publishing of San Antonio, Texas.” I was in the interior landscape business in 1984 and unfamiliar with the publishing industry. I remember hearing the name of Lone Star Publishing, but I don’t remember anything about it. Apparently, the company is no longer in business or has changed its name as I found nothing about it at all. But I thank them for creating this day to remind us to be kind.
You’ll find reasons that writers and editors deserve appreciation on the Readable blog. Theauthormarketer offers 30 ways to support editors and writers. Sword and Silk offers suggestions specifically for authors to be kind to editors.
What I Have Said
I have posted about Be Kind to Editors & Writers Month in the past. In my post Not-So-Random Acts Kindness, I outlined kindnesses I had experienced around that time.
While I hope you are always kind to everyone you meet, September is a good time to put extra effort into being kind to editors and writers.
