Mastering Editing The Key To Stronger Media Writing Editor And

Leo Migdal

-Dec 12, 2025, 8:24 AM

mastering editing the key to stronger media writing editor and

Writing is more than placing one word after another on a screen. That initial combination of vocabulary, punctuation and grammar is only half-finished at best. In the latest book, “Editing: The Essential Guide to Better Writing Across Today’s Media,” authors Buck Ryan and Michael O'Donnell present their first of “12 Core Principles of Editing” to help every writer, journalist... “At that glorious moment when you’ve finished writing, take a breath and realize that you’ve only just begun. Step away and take whatever time you need to clear your mind. Then dive back in and begin editing.”

Style, spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage topics are comprehensively covered, but “Editing” also explores what makes a good writer and good editor as well as editing in the reality of the news and media... “Michael and I want to save writers and editors from all the mistakes we made. It’s an embarrassment prevention kit. In the preface, we present several cases of the credibility crisis in journalism. The way out is through editing,” Ryan said. Ryan is the director of the Citizen Kentucky Project at the University of Kentucky’s Scripps Howard First Amendment Center and a tenured associate professor of journalism in the School of Journalism and Media.

O’Donnell taught editing for 23 years at the University of St. Thomas and worked with Ryan at the Chicago Tribune. They have co-authored other writing and editing books and have published many articles and books separately. Editing: The essential guide to better writing across today’s media, by Buck Ryan and Michael O’Donnell At the outset, you may have difficulty, as I did, deciding whether “Editing: The essential guide to better writing across today’s media,” is best suited for writers seeking to improve their skills or for... Fret not.

Early in their new book — on page 7, actually, where you’ll find the first of hundreds of applicable gems for anyone who works with words — authors Buck Ryan and Michael O’Donnell provide... It’s a truth writers constantly need reminded of. But it’s also a formula for success and a practice, a muscle that any writer — and every editor — benefits from being able to flex. Writing is a process, not an act. In addressing that “core principle” of editing, Ryan and O’Donnell teach writers and editors the art and practicalities of assessing and evaluating “every angle, word, transition, paragraph or piece of punctuation.” The titular “Essential” is one word to describe the guide that Ryan and O’Donnell, former Chicago Tribune and Medill School of Journalism colleagues who’ve previously collaborated on writing and language skills books, have assembled.

My own edit would have added “comprehensive.” The scope of this work is as impressive (full of high-level application) as it is all-encompassing. As a journalist who has shelves full of books about writing, “Editing,” in a way, is a one-stop-shop that supersedes my voluminous assemblage of guides and stylebooks. It provides not just a valuable reference tool for writers, but delivers, in a single volume, the essential goods it promises — and in an orderly, easily-searchable way. Sarah Lee AI generated Llama-4-Maverick-17B-128E-Instruct-FP8 6 min read · May 25, 2025 Learn the art of editing in media writing and journalism with our expert guide, covering essential techniques and best practices. Effective editing is the backbone of quality media writing and journalism.

To master the art of editing, one must first understand the basics. This involves familiarizing oneself with style guides, identifying common grammar and punctuation errors, and appreciating the importance of fact-checking and accuracy. Style guides are essential tools for editors, providing a set of standardized rules for writing and formatting. The most commonly used style guides in media writing are the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook. Each style guide has its unique set of guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Familiarizing oneself with the relevant style guide is crucial for maintaining consistency and accuracy in media writing.

Writing + Editing = What? Or What the hell! Authors Buck Ryan and Michael O'Donnell know their stuff. Story by Editor & Publisher (E&P) Magazine. https://lnkd.in/gsXZjTij Editing is both an art and a science, requiring a keen eye for detail, a robust command of language, and an understanding of the subtle nuances that can transform good writing into great writing.

In an age where content is king, mastering the art of editing is not only advantageous but essential for those aiming to succeed in a variety of fields. Whether one hopes to excel in publishing, journalism, academic research, or content creation for digital platforms, certain fundamental skills are indispensable. At the heart of editing lies a deep understanding of grammar and style. Editors must possess an encyclopedic knowledge of grammatical rules and the ability to apply them with precision to ensure clarity and coherence in writing. They should be conversant with various style guides such as AP, Chicago, or MLA, as each field often has its preferred standards. Familiarity with these can significantly enhance the readability and professionalism of a text.

Editing goes beyond correcting syntactic errors; it requires meticulous attention to detail. This includes everything from catching typos, redundancies, and inconsistencies to questioning the flow and structure of a document. A professional editor scrutinizes every sentence, every word, and every punctuation mark. This level of detail ensures that no mistake, no matter how small, goes unnoticed. Each piece of writing has its unique voice and tone, which must be preserved during the editing process. An editor must be skilled at making necessary changes without altering the author's intended voice or the piece's overall tone.

This preserves the authenticity and the emotional impact of the work while ensuring that it meets the requisite standards of professionalism and quality. Strong Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Writing is a creative act, but the true power of a piece lies in how it is polished. Editing transforms raw ideas into clear, compelling prose that resonates with readers. Below you’ll find proven techniques—complete with examples and practical tips—to master the art of editing. Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes; it’s a strategic process that serves four core goals:

Mastering editing is not a one‑time task; it’s an ongoing practice that elevates every piece you write. By applying these proven techniques, you’ll transform drafts into polished documents that communicate your ideas with clarity and impact. Happy editing!

Mastering Editing The Key To Stronger Media Writing Editor And

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