One of the reasons I love writing for Modern Women is that the name truly reflects the writer, editors, and readers participating in it. After reading fellow writer Nicole Drakes’s Mompreneur series, I thought it would be fun to interview the editors of Modern Women. Get first-hand advice on how to improve your writing
I sincerely believe in the power of community and collaboration and that everyone has something to bring to the table. So I was excited to sit with our editor Alexandria Roswick and learn more about her journey.
Here are seven questions I asked to give you insight into what an editor is looking for while editing:
What’s your editing background?
I’ve only been an editor, for Modern Women, for a few months. I’ve been on Medium for a year, and I love Modern Women, so when Megan wrote a post asking for help editing, I thought, why am I not an editor? This could be a good thing for me.
I started my editing journey with my blog “Eternal Metamorphosis” for survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence almost two years ago. Eternal Metamorphosis provides resources people may not be aware of, like, mutual aid and financial aid to create a sense of community and advocacy. I don’t have a huge following, but it’s okay. The information is there. If someone sees it, you never know what could happen. It’s for the community.
When I’m editing submissions for Modern Women, I’m not heavy-handed with the editing. I remind myself that this is their voice, and this is how they wanna tell their story. But with Modern Women, I eased into it. Megan welcomed me in, and so did the community.
Can you tell me more about your “Say it Loud” work?
I blog for Say it Loud, a women-run organization in the United Kingdom that has created a safe space for survivors to share their experiences without judgment. The CEO, Meredith, started it about two years ago. I can’t explain all her work, but Meredith built Say it Loud from the ground up. She did something similar to what you’re doing in Modern Women and what I do with my blog. Meredith was a survivor and said, you know what, I’m gonna make this.
It started with Instagram as the platform for people to be educated about survivors, victim blaming, and toxic myths about survivors. Meredith began educating the masses and provided a place to talk about it. She has support mentors that are available to chat with survivors.
She’s amazing and built a team of amazing women.
What is your editing process? What are you looking for to make someone sound amazing?
I had to learn a little bit when I started editing for Modern Women.
My style was letting the essayist or the writer use their voice, allowing them to be authentic in their storytelling. Sometimes I would say, oh, that’s not how I would say something, but I ultimately leave it the way it was written to remain authentic.
For Modern Women, it’s a little different because that’s not my audience, I’m part of the editing team, and I’m ultimately a part of someone’s vision. So I wanted to adjust my style to Megan’s vision. I learned, and I talked to her about her expectations.
I find ways to incorporate my style into Megan’s vision. Reminding myself that this comes from someone’s heart. I’ll also offer tips and tell them, “Oh, you could say it this way.” I’ll correct the errors to whatever the software suggests; if it’s basic grammar and spelling, then I’ll publish it.
When you’re surfing the web, what kind of content inspires you? What catches your attention?
I’ve been all over the place trying to find my niche, but I do find that I gravitate towards the stories of women. I enjoy storytelling in general, like a personal narrative. My guilty pleasure is entertainment, gossip, and pop culture.
I also really love incorporating my personal story into the things happening in our culture. I love reading stuff like that. Many writers on Medium do that, and I think Katie Jgln and Jessica wildfire do an excellent job.
I’m always looking for more people who write in that style. I hope Medium’s algorithm adjusts more to what the reader is reading vs. what’s popular.
How do you keep your editing mojo up? How do you find balance in all your projects?
It’s been difficult, especially this summer. I’ve been traveling and haven’t had much time to write. I also have ADHD, and sometimes things slip; it’s hard to focus. I always have an idea; sometimes, I go off the deep end, trying to bring them all to fruition. I’m building my freelance business, I run a monthly fundraiser, and I have to catch up on some work for Eternal Metamorphosis, but I manage.
It also helps that Megan and the team at Say it Loud are flexible with the editing schedule. I get to select which projects I want to put my energy toward, and if things get overwhelming, I just say I can’t commit my time to this right now.
I just try to focus on my short-term and long-term goals.
Would you mind sharing one of your long-term goals?
Yeah. So actually, one of the long-term goals I had set last year, or in January, was to gain 1,000 followers on medium. This is a smaller long-term goal, but I’m excited because I’m almost there – I’m currently at 900 followers, which is pretty cool.
My content goal is to publish 150 pieces of content by the end of the year. I have already posted 77 pieces of content. I think I can get the rest done by the end of the year.
What advice do you have for new writers?
If you’re self-editing, definitely get some kind of spelling and grammar software, there is a lot you can use that are free. I use Grammarly, no matter how many times I’ve read something, my eyes will miss something. When an editor gives you feedback, you don’t always have to make the corrections. Change what you agree with and keep what you don’t.
You can take in the feedback and also listen to your gut. You’re the expert in your story, the observationalist, telling us something, and you know the context that maybe your editor does not. So keep that in mind.
Check out more of Alexandria’s stories on Medium
For more information on Modern Women, contact me today!