1. What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?
My father says I was pernickety even as a child, and being obsessive about spelling and punctuation is certainly a must for a sub-editor. But to excel as a writer or a sub-editor, it’s essential to be able to balance the detail with the bigger picture. An interesting person or event doesn’t necessarily make for a good article – you must be able to identify a story arc or a ‘hook’ that satisfies the reader. I seem to have a natural ability to think like the target reader, whoever that might be – as well as to hit the right tone, keep copy lively and interesting, and maintain its pace and flow.
2. When did you first realise you had this talent?
It wasn’t until I was writing my university dissertation on the sociology of health that I suddenly decided I wanted to work on health magazines. I didn’t even have an A-level in English, but I applied to do a post-graduate certificate in magazine journalism. The college ran selection days involving tests, writing exercises and interviews. I was grouped with three male English graduates who already had journalism experience, and clearly didn’t consider me much competition. I can still see their shocked expressions when I won a place on the course and they didn’t. However, raw talent can only take you so far – I shudder when I read some of my early articles! I learnt most of my skills from the fantastic editors I’ve been fortunate enough to work for, and with, over the last 17 years.
3. What emotional attachment do you have to your work?
With editing, I’m not too emotionally involved, beyond the satisfaction of being able to take a messy, directionless piece of writing and reshape it into something clear, focused and sparkling. As a writer, I do feel personally invested in my work, even if it’s on a subject I’m not especially passionate about. Unless it’s a personal piece, the reader shouldn’t really be aware of the writer at all, but you still feel protective of your ‘creation’ – although you can’t be too precious about it! In terms of personal integrity, I don’t take on assignments I consider to be unethical, or which involve misleading or taking advantage of interviewees. If I have to hurt someone to make a living, it’s time to get out.
4. What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?'
Journalism isn’t easy to break into, and you need a thick skin as ideas are rejected far more often than they’re accepted, but if you keep knocking on doors and pitching ideas, opportunities will open up. Qualifications are helpful, but experience counts for more, so start building a portfolio of whatever you can get published – in student magazines, community papers and so on. A staff job on an editorial team is the best way to learn your craft before launching yourself as a freelancer, but you can build up freelance work alongside your day job. Finally, behave professionally from day one: make sure you understand exactly what the editor or client wants from you, stick to the brief, be thorough, deliver the goods on time, and be accommodating and pleasant to work with.
Catherine Francis
Freelance journalist, sub-editor, proofreader, editorial consultant and publicist
linkedin.com/in/cathfrancis
twitter.com/cath_francis
cathfrancis@btinternet.com
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