When I discovered story editing, I became a little obsessed. These are my top 5 editing resources collected over the last few years. (Click here to head back to my website.)

1. Do's and Don'ts of Coaching

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This video is one of the best demonstrations I've seen of the listening, questioning, and teasing out of threads that an editor does to help a producer strengthen the story.

The video comes from lesson 13 within a larger class on crafting Public Narrative from Resistance School. (Their perspective on storytelling comes from their work re-envisioning America)

2. Midwifing the Story: The Art of Editing - Jen Chien at Third Coast Int'l Audio Festival

I completely agree with Jen's title: MIDWIFING THE STORY: The Art of Editing. I think editing (like producing) is an Art. And this session from the 2019 Third Coast International Audio Festival really speaks to the empathy of editing. You can listen to Jen's talk and follow along with the slides. I also recommend a couple other Third Coast sessions on editing: Just Listen to Yourself (some interesting thought experiments) and First Off...This is in Really Good Shape (nice advice on working with producers of varying levels of experience).

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3. Mentors!

via @jontyson

via @jontyson

As soon as I felt like editing was a good fit for me, I had to know more. And I had a LOT of questions. I learned a lot by being edited, by eavesdropping on edits when I could, and by asking a ton of questions. Sure, some people didn't respond to the cold emails I sent out looking for advice, but there are a couple editors who I will never forget for their generous gifts of time, expertise, and encouragement. I'm indebted to those people, and I try to pass it on.

Find someone who is a story editor to whom you can ask questions. The Association of Independents in Radio runs a mentoring program, you could start there. I am still asking questions, btw.

4. Taking the Reins: Growing into your Role as an Editor - Alexandra Zayas on Poynter

This webinar is geared towards editors who work with newspaper journalists, but I still think it's a great resource, especially if you're making a transition from reporter to editor. $30 webinar from Poynter

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5. Dancing the Invisible

You can watch the film on Kanopy

You can watch the film on Kanopy

Documentary film is what brought me to this work. And it still moves me. This cinematic profile of editor Jill Bilcock is awesome. Despite being about film editing, which is a completely different beast, I took 2 pages of notes when I saw it on an airplane, having had no prior idea what it was about. I found a lot of what Jill says to be resonant and inspirational, both for work and life.

Bonus (can't stop at 5):