People have a lot of opinions about what editors should or shouldn’t do with their publication. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of do’s and don’ts when you haven’t experienced this role for yourself. Beyond editing and publishing, there are so many valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way that made me a better writer, editor and person. They’re probably not what you think, though!
This is an honest, from the heart piece. If you choose to experiment with this editing role in the future, I hope you find it useful. Or, if you already are an editor, I’d love to receive some feedback from you!
Make friends, not contacts
I may be laughed at for saying this, but I stand by this statement. I’ve made wonderful friends on here that have helped me with their honest advice and precious insights on how to change KTHT so that it better serves the needs of fellow writers. Without their input and fabulous discussions we’ve had on our Slack channels, our little pub would’ve been a dull place. It’s in the relationship that we can be of most service!
Back yourself
Self-trust is a practice. A publication can fail for so many reasons due to unforseen circumstances, but especially due to harassment and hateful comments. Your passion for writing and editing gets tested daily and it can be really hard sometimes. I know I had to trust in the unfolding of it when nobody else did. It’s the longest carousel ever, but also one filled with fun experiences and opportunities!
Create your own definition of success
No, Medium doesn’t pay its editors (although we can all agree it should). If we measure success in terms of financial gains alone, then yes, we could say it isn’t the most successful deal one could get out there. However, that isn’t true either — a lot of content required for the publication equals more money. But, this isn’t what this article is about.
For me, success is fostering an active community of people who fearlessly write whatever the heck they want. Success are the collaborations that are born within and outside the platform. The constant stimulation of creativity! The love and support.
The more I focus on those aspects, the more successful I feel KTHT is. What about you? What is your definition of it?
Give back
You get to be creative about how you do this, but giving back to the community is one of the best lessons I’ve learned on Medium. Sometimes it’s just showing up, other times it’s spreading kindness and support. I don’t know; you do you.
Sorry if it sounds cheesy, but I am becoming a more selfless person each day. Diana before Medium wasn’t like this. At all.
Seven hundred and thirty days is a long time. I never do anything for this long… So this long-term commitment thing is new for me. But I’m enjoying it, even on the days I hate it.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I can say this one thing:
Thank you for the lessons.
Hi Diana, these behind the scenes articles are great! I'm only getting around to reading them now. I modelled my publication, New Creation on KTHT as I felt you ran a beautiful space on Medium. You are who you say you are, and even though we know it must be difficult to run such a large publication, you always come across as patient and kind. I had to close New Creation as I am in Vietnam and the site is mostly blocked. But, I really enjoyed being an editor, and I have you to thank for its success because I learned from you. I hope to open it again in the future.
Beautiful Diana. Lots of love