The Power of Shared Wisdom: Why You Should Become an Editing Mentor
The Mentoring Program is an ongoing Guild member activity. If you have any questions about the program, or want to know more about becoming a mentor, please email mentoring@edsguild.org.
The definition of a mentor as a “trusted counselor or guide” speaks to the core of what our editing community can offer. Since October 2021, I have been fortunate to mentor 10 editors through the Northwest Editors Guild’s Mentoring Program, and others outside of the Guild. Imagine the collective impact we could have on our community if more of us stepped into a mentoring role. We are supporting our peers by fostering growth while simultaneously strengthening our profession—and, perhaps surprisingly, gaining new perspectives ourselves as well. Curious about becoming a mentor? Let’s explore how you can offer invaluable guidance to your fellow editors.
Photo of two women, one younger and Black, the other older and white, laughing and drinking from mugs together, courtesy of RDNE Stock project on Pexels.
No matter how long you have been an editor or how you gained your skills, you possess wisdom you can pass along to your colleagues in the Guild, whether they are novices or those with experience looking for a partner as they explore new directions. We have all had our fair share of ups and downs, such as difficult clients, slow months (or years), and battling imposter syndrome, which strikes at the most inopportune times. As a result, we are well supplied with empathy and insights gained from navigating these choppy waters—precisely the qualities required of a mentor.
I have specialized in mentoring new editors because they do not know the challenges that await them, nor how to manage them, and they need to. They should also know how wonderful it can be to follow their dreams! It is for this very reason I dedicate time to mentoring, and I passionately believe more editors should too. It is easy to think you do not have enough to offer. But trust me, if you have been navigating this field for a while, you have earned your “sea legs.” A Guild member looking into mentorship can absorb information from this blog post, certainly. However, you are the one who can share real-life examples, nuanced experiences, and actionable feedback—the crucial context that provides transformative insights and truly accelerates their growth.
You could tell your mentee about the most difficult client you ever had (warts and all) and how you managed the situation. You might also discuss times when you have had no clients on the books and what you did with your time—did you brush up on your skills, attend more Guild meetings, or network or market more? Did doing any of these things lead to more clients? It can also be incredibly valuable to mention your favorite client, your favorite project, or fill them in on the round-about way you landed an author who became a repeat client, and maybe even a friend.
Mentees gain the deepest insights when we openly and honestly share our experiences—both failures and triumphs—while offering consistent encouragement and direction. Sometimes this means sharing links, templates, and networking associates. Other times, it means sharing our experiences. You may be hesitant to do so, but I assure you, your mentee will not forget what they have learned, and they especially will not forget you.
You might be thinking, why should I volunteer to help those who are only going to become my competition? The answer is simple: The editorial community is not a competitive bunch. As Walter Payton said, “We are stronger together than we are alone.” I learned everything on my own, so I am giving new editors what I never had in the beginning—support and direction.
You remember what it was like finding your way in this profession. Now you have the power to make that journey smoother for someone else. What if you could be the guiding light a fellow Guild member needs? Learn more about becoming a mentor with the Northwest Editors Guild here, and let’s collectively strengthen our vibrant editing community.
