Some days, I wish I had graduated from college and gone directly into publishing.

But then I read something like "The Three Jobs of the Modern Editor, or 36 Plates" by Sean deLone.

If you want to know just how much is required of today's in-house editors, read that.

I already respect what they do, but this behind-the-scenes look made me even more appreciative.

Plus, deLone writes, "If you hear authors and literary agents gripe that 'editors don’t edit anymore,' it’s because it’s becoming more and more common." Much of my job as an independent editor and collaborative writer is for that reason.

Also, deLone's recap here is a necessary reminder for anyone who writes:

The next time you pitch a publishing professional, don't take it personally if the reply takes a while (or never comes).

Do the work for the love of it.

Keep doing it.

Then be open to what happens next, whether bad or good.

In this game, persistence wins.

P.S. A few weeks ago, my son told me he does a certain thing when he reads, and I'd never heard of anyone doing that. Then this showed up in my feed, another person who does the same thing. Do you do that?

(Also, the bots aren't always listening, are they?)

Why am I getting this?

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Every Thursday, you'll receive 300 words or so about writing, reading, editing, or publishing.

Always feel free to reply. Ask a question you'd like to see answered here. Reach out for help with your next nonfiction project. Or just reply to let me know, Yeah, me too.