The role of intuition in editing and inclusion consultancy
By Claire Philip, Children’s Editor & Writer
In this blog, I talk about the role of intuition in editing. I also outline some of the reasons why a publisher might hire a freelance inclusion consultant.
Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash
As I read through a manuscript or check a book’s layouts, I tune in to an inner sense of knowing that is built partly on editorial experience and partly on instinct. I’ll try to explain.
When I worked in London, I sat next to an intern called Sophia for a few months. One day she peered over my shoulder as I edited onscreen, and asked me why I was making changes if everything was correct. I replied by telling her that something didn’t feel quite right.
I was using my intuition to look at the wider context of the book layouts to check for anything vague or problematic. Developing this kind of intuitive editing takes time. As an editorial assistant, I learnt to check for surface-level errors but over many years I developed the skill of looking deeper.
“Practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear; and then act upon what you know to be true. These intuitive powers were given to your soul at birth.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
If my brain says “Oh, I’m not sure about that” to a word or phrase I flag it and begin researching. More often than not, I find the reason for my sense of unease – and learn a lot. Whenever I edit or consult as a freelancer, I use my intuition to help me consider the impact of the words and images in front of me. I ask:
How can I ensure the text and images are compassionate, authentic and respectful?
How can I help create something that supports and includes?
What could I be missing?
My intuition helps me answer these questions and guides me to the right resources and people when I need further help.
The problem for in-house editors is that this level of checking and subsequent research can take longer than a standard edit – and book schedules are almost always tight. This is one of the reasons why publishers use freelance inclusion consultants. They also have distance from the project, which allows them to review it with a fresh perspective.
At Gingerbread Moon Creative we can support your in-house team by providing inclusion consultancy. We love to review projects at the planning, manuscript and artwork stages to embed inclusion into the book-making process. We can offer suggestions for changes, edits and rewrites if necessary.
If you need an inclusion consultant, email hello@gingerbreadmooncreative.co.uk and we’ll get to work!
