More than two decades in the editorial industry has granted me many things, and taught me even more.
What I’ve been granted is a rich and varied experience across a range of companies and publications, in different countries. What I’ve been taught is the importance of quality and consistency, as well as a keen understanding of how not to do things.
The latter point is especially important as the industry I forged my career in has undergone massive changes, and continues to do so. Consumer media nowadays is vastly different to what it was in 2000, when I took on my first job as a subeditor for a local newspaper.
However, I firmly believe that print media will never die (after all, video never actually did kill the radio star), and that there will always be a place for quality journalism and fastidious editing, in whatever format it’s delivered.
What I noticed as the internet first encroached on, and then overtook, traditional media, was that many companies and publications either panicked or failed to adapt. Those that panicked typically adopted strategies that only hastened their demise, while those which failed to adapt saw their profits plummet. More often than not, this led to indiscriminate cost-cutting, which was at the expense of quality, which in turn only meant yet more readers or buyers dropped off.
It’s been a vicious circle, but it’s been very instructive for those of us who still believe in the importance of quality control.
What’s been clear is that those who compromised on quality have invariably either already closed or gone into irreversible freefall. Cost-cutting may have been a necessary evil for many, but doing so without a strategy is a death wish. There is not one example of a consumer publication arresting its decline by getting rid of capable staff, reducing content and compromising quality.
Meanwhile, those titles which have survived – even thrived – despite the changing landscape of new technologies and innumerable competitors are those which have held their nerve, held on to staff, continued to insist on quality, and continued to treat their readers with respect. Think The New York Times, The Independent, National Geographic, Le Monde Diplomatique and Time.
As a career-long editorial professional I have, of course, feared for my job at times. Some titles I’ve worked for, or with, no longer exist. Many of my former colleagues have migrated to different industries, having either been pushed or making the jump to pre-empt what they thought was inevitable.
I stood my ground – not because I didn’t know what else to do, but because I believe there is still a future for editorial staff. There may be fewer jobs for editors now, but they will always be needed, so the onus is on me to remain employable.
Moreover, I like to do a good job. I consider it a personal embarrassment if I don’t. I enjoy writing and still get a buzz from seeing my work in print. I get that adrenaline hit when designing newspaper pages covering a big story. I get a sense of achievement from taking raw copy and turning it into something publishable.
Some people treat their editorial jobs as no more than a means to a paycheque. That’s fine; it is their right to do no more than what is merely expected. I fear, however, that they will soon join the many casualties of our profession, and that those employers who tolerate such apathy will go the same way.
For me, editing, writing and design are not just jobs, they are crafts. They are sources of pride for me, and skills which, when applied correctly, can stir emotions, create keepsakes, generate sales and boost business.
It is with this attitude in mind that I created Rivers Editorial. I want to promote the craft of editorial services; to show individuals and businesses alike the difference a good editor, writer or designer can make.
Across my career I have seen what works, what doesn’t, and plenty of examples of both good and bad practice.
I’ve also been fortunate to meet many talented operators in related fields, with my years as an expat helping me build contacts across the world, many of whom Rivers Editorial can call upon if needed. This means not only can I offer you diligence, enthusiasm and quality, but also the versatility of spanning other time zones and languages.
That is how, and why, Rivers Editorial came to be: it seeks to stand firm on shaky ground, upholding the standards of a proud industry, surviving on merit and helping bring the best out of you, your company or your publication.
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