Hi, Neighbor! Pull out your cardigan sweater and be neighborly tomorrow, because March 20 is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Day. The creation of Family Communications Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA (www.fci.org/neighbor), this annual event celebrates the late Fred Rogers (known to certain generations of TV viewers as the gentle and kindly Mr. Rogers) and his legacy of neighborliness on his birthday. Neighbors everywhere are encouraged to wear their favorite sweater and promote neighborliness through actions as simple as saying “thank you” or offering a smile, kind word, or sympathetic ear.
“Okay,” I hear you saying. “I’m all in favor of neighborly behavior, but what does this have to do with editing?” I suppose it’s part of my philosophy about working with clients on their writing. Over the years, I’ve found that it’s important to offer encouragement along with the edits. Whether I’m polishing a blog post or helping a client untangle the ideas in a journal article or book manuscript, some kind words or a little commiseration about the struggles of expressing ideas clearly can go a long way in helping a client understand that I’m working with him or her as a partner in this grand enterprise of communicating via the written word.
When I’m working with you on a piece of your writing, I’ll always let you know what I think is good and what’s working. And if there’s something that’s muddy or that could be improved so your message gets through loud and clear to your target audience, I’ll let you know that too – with kindness and tactful directness. We’ll work together to make those words shine and sing, so you and your ideas make a great impression.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find my favorite cardigan and most comfortable sneakers before spreading a little kindness in my neighborhood. I encourage you to do the same in yours.