The Humble, Queasy Editor

Nobody’s perfect. Editors generally like things to be perfect, and some of us experience a certain queasy feeling when we realize an error (even a tiny one) has slipped by, but at some point we all have to admit that we make mistakes. Humility is a beautiful thing. So, in the spirit of humility, today I will share a couple of my recent mistakes.

Several weeks ago, I finally decided I should actually read the little disclaimer I place at the top of “Madame Zwelch’s Weekly Forecast” on my Bog blog each Monday. (For those of you who are either just learning about me or haven’t been paying attention, Madame Zwelch is a somewhat grumpy mud turtle who has “the sight.” She offers confident but questionable advice, which you should follow only at your own risk.) I immediately realized I had misspelled the word “guarantee.” Because I’d been doing the ol’ copy-and-paste instead of rewriting the statement each week, “guarantee” had been misspelled consistently for perhaps about two months. I sincerely hope that my site had been visited only by exceptionally poore spelers during those two months.

Then, just this morning, I randomly decided to check over the profile information in one of my online business accounts. I realized I had entered my Web address incorrectly. (Presumably, this would explain the lack of hits.) Oh, the idiocy! I am still blushing over this one. Seriously, would you hire an editor who can’t spell her own address? Of course not. You would think, “Boy, what an idiot,” and move on.

Take a lesson here. Read over your stuff. Yes, even the small stuff. Yes, even your name, your address—every single little thing. Especially if you’re an editor. And when that queasy feeling comes because you realize you’ve embarrassed yourself in print or online, try drinking some warm ginger tea; it has a remarkably calming effect on upset editorial stomachs.