Writing is hard. Facing nothing but a blank page or an empty screen, a writer must somehow find a way to conjure words that will grab the reader, pull them in, and not let go.
Of course, writing can also be all too easy. After all, what’s to stop a writer from cranking out endless lines of dull, plodding prose that lands with a thud, redundantly saying the same thing over and over and over again with wearisome repetition, long after the reader has lost interest?
Although they are misunderstood by some as a sort of “grammar police,” an editor’s role is more than just correcting verb tenses and catching the errors that fall through the cracks of spellcheck. As a director is to an actor, or a coach is to an athlete, an editor is there for a writer as a discerning, even ruthless, outside presence. An editor’s job is to take a good performance and make it into something great.
But just as some people prefer to act and some prefer to direct (or some prefer to play while others would rather coach), many people have a preference when it comes to being the writer or the editor.
To examine how this preference might relate to personality traits, we asked our readers whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement “If you had to choose, you would rather edit than write an article,” and some trends emerged:
A noticeable gap lay between two trait pairings: Observant and Intuitive personality types (64% vs. 52% agreeing, respectively) and Introverts and Extraverts (61% vs. 54%).
Which types would rather be the editor, and which would rather be the writer? Let’s find out:
Roles
Explorers and Sentinels (64% and 63% agreeing)
Explorers and Sentinels, in roughly equal proportions, felt that they would prefer to edit, agreeing more with the statement than Intuitive types. As personality types who thrive on making the most of pre-existing situations, Explorers may enjoy the editorial process, where the need for quality and speed allows them to shine. Writing may be too close to idle chat for active Explorers – why talk (or write) about something when you can do it instead?
Sentinels, while they may lack (or at least, find unengaging) the raw creative drive and vision needed for writing, may find that they are well-suited to administering the rules of grammar or a trusted style guide. They can also keep in mind broader concerns like where an article may fit into the structure of a magazine or website as a whole, or as part of the conversation taking place on the subject, keeping things focused and on task. Sentinels are purveyors of order and accuracy, with a keen eye for making sure everything is in its place – editing is a fine outlet for such qualities.
Analysts and Diplomats (53% and 51%)
About half of Analysts and Diplomats alike agreed that they would rather edit than write. Many Analysts need to pursue their own ideas, rather than champion those of another. This willfulness may serve them well as writers, though it can lead to stubborn clashes with editors. Analyst personalities may likewise have the technical skill to serve as editors, but can find themselves trying to transform someone else’s writing into
As for Diplomats, they may see writing as inextricably tied to a sense of self, so much so that they can find it difficult to shape the way another writer expresses him or herself – censoring some vital act of self-expression borders on criminal for these soulful personality types. Exemplifying this are the Assertive Campaigners (ENFP-A) with 44% agreement. Campaigners believe that everyone has a voice to be heard, whether they agree with it or not, and likely squirm at the idea of revising another person’s thoughts or beliefs.
Strategies
Constant Improvement and Confident Individualism (62% and 60% agreeing, respectively)
Constant Improvers and Confident Individualists were closely matched in their opinions on editing versus writing. The role of an editor is a relatively invisible one when compared to that of the writer, whose name and face may be prominently displayed with the article. This invisibility may suit Introverts, who can contribute to the quality and creative direction of a piece without being forced into the spotlight.
Social Engagement and People Mastery (55% and 52%)
Social Engagers and People Masters were less likely to agree with the statement “If you had to choose, you would rather edit than write an article.” While the invisible role of the editor may suit an Introvert, an Extravert may crave the attention that can come from being the author of a piece, even accepting the inevitability that some of that attention will be negative.
Still, a majority of both Strategies agreed that they would prefer the role of editor, marking it as the more appealing of the two options. Rather than the relative invisibility that Constant Improvers and Confident Individualists may seek, Social Engagers and People Masters may find the role of leader and guide that an editor must embody just as attractive as any wider publicity.
Assertive and Turbulent (55% and 59%)
The averages mask a further trend, which is that, except for Debaters (ENTP) (50%) (is anyone surprised that Debaters mark a departure from the trends?), the Turbulent variant of each personality type agreed more with the statement. Anyone who’s read the comments section at the end of an article on politics or technology knows that being an author in the age of the internet demands a thick skin, which comes more naturally to Assertive types. While Debaters of all stripes may revel in the upset, Turbulent Adventurers (ISFP-T) (73%), the personality type to agree most with the statement, certainly do not.
Conclusions
Like any partnership, the relationship between editors and writers can have moments of tension and high emotions. But at its best, it is a symbiosis that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Nevertheless, writers can be quick to assert their own preeminence, arguing that without them, the editor – not to mention the audience at large – would have nothing. By the same token, editors may feel that their role often goes unappreciated, knowing full well that great writing is often contingent on revisions that may appear minuscule at first glance – a single typo can call into question the veracity of an entire article.
The thrill of creating something from nothing may fit well with an Analyst’s drive to assert his or her intellect and ideals or with a Diplomat’s need for self-expression. Explorers and Sentinels, on the other hand, may prefer having something to go on, some environment or structure to work with, and thus may see editing as preferable to writing.
The more exhibitionist qualities of writing an article might appeal to Extraverts. The thought of one’s contributions staying just out of the spotlight may make Introverts more drawn to editing. Had we been discussing novels instead of articles, the romanticized image of the lone author slowly going mad in his studio apartment may well have shown some very different preferences!
While writing and editing seem like they would have a great deal of
What about you? Would you rather write material for all the world to see, or do you prefer to lead from behind as a source of guidance and wisdom? Let us know in the comments below! (And be gentle – our editor may be a Debater, but the writer is an Introvert!)