Editing, leadership, & team building
editing
Story Pitch
Before each issue or website cycle, we open a story pitch form. The pitch form is designed to not only ensure editors can get all the necessary information to make room for an incoming piece, but also to get the staff writer thinking about how to map out a journey to turn their pitch into a reality. We have found it very effective to include questions such as “Why will readers care about this story?” and “What will readers learn?” as it allows for writers — and when I write my own pieces — to keep in mind the bigger idea we serve as journalists.
Distribution
Usually via Zoom or a hallway meeting, with the editorial board, we comb through the pitch submissions to distribute where each article will go, whether that’s online, in-print, and if so, which specific page. This distribution sheet is of the same template that we have been using for the past three years. Staff writers will hyperlink their article when ready. As we move throughout the deadline month, we color code to indicate the status of the article and design. It ensures that everyone is (literally) on the same page: writers, designers, photographers, the adviser, everyone.
Editing via Google Doc
When it comes to editing, I lead with the mindset that it’s never possible to be too thorough. Pulling from my experience of being copy edited by the seniors, I learned over the months not only what was effective for me as a writer to hear as feedback, but also how that constructive feedback can be best delivered. When the Editor-in-Chief of the time left encouraging notes at the end, or highlighted a quote they like from my piece, telling me how much they liked it, my day was made. Over the years, I learned how to balance constructive criticism with accolades in order to motivate the writer to keep improving their work.
Copy Editing
The copy editing never stops. After we have perfected our articles, now comes design. During this process, we print out our pages, and pass around our mock pages, making sure at least two people get to mark up the page for any changes that need to be made. During the virtual year, this was more difficult, so we used the comments setting on PDF documents. Once the edits were applied, we would resolve those comments. For in-person editing, we would send a photo of the paper with the marked up edits to the designer of that page to apply by a certain deadline.
Leadership
Throughout my years in high school, while I have led many teams throughout high school, none are as challenging yet rewarding as the teamwork in the newsroom. Here, communication and team culture are not only key, they are the lock, the door, and the whole house.
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As Co-Editor-in-Chief of my school’s newspaper, I lead a team of 60+ to execute both print (6 issues/year) and a website and social media that posts weekly content. During my first year, I took the initiative to redesign our website and create a posting schedule that has been used for the past two years. I collaborate and communicate with staff writers, editors, photographers, designers, advisers, and sponsors throughout the year. I create and teach lessons to the class, and lead editor meetings. I also craft stories (writing, social media post and videography) to uplift voices in my community.
The Blueprint
When it came to developing and improving the team “Blueprint,” it meant first and foremost creating a central space for communication and collaboration.
When it came to communicating between all branches of the staff, this meant initiating a Huron Emery Slack channel and having all members join during the first week of school. Additionally, I have found that having an area that facilitates communication encourages people to engage by sharing ideas for a new article, informing staff writers of upcoming writing competitions, or simply wishing everyone a happy New Year.
And then, when it came to collaboration, having noticed the difficulty of locating the myriad of documents for our 6 issues, frequent website posts, and emerging social media presence, during my first year in newspaper, when I stepped into co-Editor-in-Chief, I created a folder to become the Huron Emery folder for the year, organized into files for print, online, and social media. This allowed for all of our files to be in an organized and accessible area. I also spoke with my adviser and editorial board to create a Trello space to turn in work for deadlines throughout the year.
Elevating My Team
I like to think of times when I was on a team and I loved my experience there, reflecting on what made me have glowing memories from there. I have learned that no matter if it was collaborating with Michigan Medicine’s Youth Council or working with my National Honor Society board, people enjoy their time on a team when they feel valued and their goals are cared about. In other words, it means elevating my teammates.
One way we worked on elevating our members was encouraging people to sign-up to teach mini lessons. I vivid recall how accomplished I felt during my first year in newspaper when I was able to teach to the class about the art of interviewing a sense of pride and value in myself as a team member. This is a feeling I wanted to give all members to experience.
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A lot of the time, I learned the best thing I can do as a leader is be attentive. Be attentive of the people I work with and what their niche is. For our now Social Media Editor-in-Chief, when they first joined newspaper, I noticed their natural power to capture the perfect shot and curate engaging social media posts. I encouraged them to be one of our main photographers and collaborate with us when it came to social media planning.
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When a freshman, who I had previously worked with when advising the middle school publication, joined our class, I undoubtedly pinned their talentfor feature writing. I invited her to write a big upcoming feature story with me.
When I noticed a new staff member’s knack for designing pages with a sense of creativity I had never seen before, I provided them with additional opportunities to design for our print issue. Today, they are our design editor and has won multiple awards through MIPA.
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team building
For a productive team, I have learned that it doesn’t necessarily mean every second spent together is directed toward creating our paper or managing our website. At its core, our work is people working with people. That’s something I’ve learned is important to remember. The space in-between all the tasks is the humane, collaborative aspect, and that’s all built by a foundation of trust and camaraderie. So, here comes in play team bonding.
In celebration of a finished issue, we sometimes hold a class breakfast potluck. No matter a designer, writer, or photographer, everyone seems to love food.
As the productive people we are, we decided to feed two birds with one scone when it came to our Issue 2 backpage about reviewing fall-esque items and completing an editors’ bonding event. Donut trip! On an oddly warm October, we traversed across Ann Arbor to review donuts from various shops.
Any adventure is naturally a bonding experience. During our trip to NSPA’s Fall Convention in St. Louis, I got to smile, laugh, and simply get to know better so many staff members over fried ravioli and pod rides up and down the Arch.
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Everyone likes it when their hard work is acknowledged. At the start of the school year, during our boot camp, we presented cheesy certificates (certificates nonetheless) and treats to “winners” of our mini photography and interview sessions. Bonus: a feature on our Instagram story!
