There are NO famous writers who do not have editors. In fact, the higher an author rises in the publishing world, the more editors he collects. Also, even some college professors insist that students have an editor, because, wisely, they have learned that unedited papers are painful to grade. 🙂
Since even the most experienced writers need editors, why do we think that a middle school or high school student can get along without one?
The role of Editor is actually a Suzuki Music idea. In Suzuki classes, each student has a practicing parent who attends the lesson and learns the skills. This parent is responsible for overseeing practice sessions so that the student doesn’t go for a whole week practicing incorrectly.
All students need help and external motivation. They also need correction so that they do not end up practicing skills incorrectly several times in row. When mistakes are repeated, they are much more difficult to unlearn and correct. Immediate correction speeds up the learning process and the acquisition of skills. This is why all of my students must have a parent who agrees to serve as Editor.
Here is IEW creator Andrew Pudewa’s explanation of the role of Editor: 🙂
The difference between a mom and an editor is that an editor gives corrections without a lecture attached. An editor does not give grades; he helps prepare a piece for publication. He is an assistant rather than a teacher.
It is much, much easier to spot someone else’s mistakes than one’s own. Everyone should have an editor, including students. It is the most efficient way of improving a paper and making progress in writing.