Kindness

Be kind. This doesn’t sound like a language- or editing-based tip, but it’s just as important as knowing how to use a semicolon. As an editor you need to be kind to:

• your author, by framing all queries usefully and courteously, and being on the look-out for where you can save them embarrassment;
• your reader, by making their reading experience as smooth as possible;
• your team, by making your mark-up, instructions and notes crystal clear, and warning them of any issues that could arise later in the project;
• your colleagues, by sharing opportunities with them and celebrating their successes;
• anyone else who uses language, from your friends to random people on social media, by not pointing out their mistakes unless they’ve specifically asked you to.