Make Copy Shine By Editing 2023

Objective – In this lesson, I can: • Identify opinions

in stories and remove them.

Photo by Taelyn Corkill

In a world of selfies and constant social media posts where we can share every thought, event or emotion with the world, it is no wonder it is difficult to keep editorializing out of writing. We are so used to centering what we write and post around our own thoughts that writing without giving an opinion on a subject seems impossible. But yearbook reporters are charged with telling someone else’s story. It is not about the writer. Writers are simply the behind the-scenes architects of the piece. Think about it this way: If an architect builds and designs a skyscraper, do they get a say on what the building is used for after it is built? They don’t own the building and therefore it is not their place to comment, judge or advise on what happens in the building after it is finished. Our writing is no different. We may design the story, organize the information, and build the overall message, but that does not mean we have earned the right to comment.

16 EDITORIALIZING Lesson 3