People Making the Books: Editors
People Making the Books: Editors
  • 최해원
  • 승인 2011.07.06 00:00
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Books have hidden mothers. They come up with a new book concept, choose a writer, edit the draft, and write the commercial copy. They are called 'editors.' ST interviewed the editor of the bestseller <Growing up is Painful> (Sam & Parkers), Choi Se-hyun (School of Computing, 96).

ST: What is the job of an editor?
Choi: Editors take part in the whole publication process. As for me, I plan a new book and then think of a writer who can write the book according to the book concept I came up with. Then I establish contact with the writer. My job extends to the writer's writing period. I have to encourage the writer and propose the direction of his writing. After getting a draft, I edit it so that the readers would understand it more easily, and to polish the style. Finally, I decide on the ad concept. An editor usually also writes the commercial copy of the book. The job of the editor differs from one company to another, but most of the editors in small or middle-sized companies play major roles in the whole publication process.
ST: What are the necessary qualifications of an editor?
Choi: Basically, editors should have written books or other materials. They thus have to be adept with texts and should enjoy playing with these. Good writing skills are also important. For this, it is good to read various books. Writing and then getting a scolding from one's seniors many times is also a good preparation for becoming an editor.
I consider myself very dynamic. I try all the things that I find in the manuscript whenever I edit books on cooking or health because it allows me to validate what has been written from the readers' perspective. You may think that this process is unnecessary, but as an editor is perhaps above a writer, an editor should be very dynamic and should consider the book editor is editing as editor's own book.
A book has to strike the readers' minds. Thus, an editor must be able to empathize with other people and must touch the readers' core so an editor could move them. A person who has had various experiences and many failures in life can empathize with the readers and can help come up with impressive books. Try and try again if you fail, and gather valuable experiences.
ST: What would you like to say to the university students who are only in their 20s?
Choi: I think I should have played more before reaching 20, although I think I had played as much as I should have had by the time I turned 20. To those who are in their 20s, play a lot! To those who are in their 20s who are very much absorbed in earning credentials, playing would seem impractical, but it really provides us with many valuable experiences. One day, you will realize that what seems unnecessary right now is really important in your preparation for a bright future. I, for instance, realized that my failures helped me make a book that the readers can empathize with.
Next, find a mentor. A mentor doesn't have to be a person. Anyone who can help you take the right direction in life will be a good mentor. <Letters from the Future> had many effects on my life as a woman in my 20s, and <Play like a Man, Win like a Woman> gave me valuable advice when I was still a rookie. I recommend that you choose books that can serve as your mentor.

Regardless of the job, dynamism is important. If you accumulate various experiences from your activities or failures, or from books with a positive and forward-looking outlook in life, like Choi Se-hyun, you will be another good editor in the making.


Choi Hae-won (Planning Manager)
choihw522@ssu.ac.kr


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