Rising Workloads + Shrinking Staffs Hardly Formula For Successful Editing
Editorial managers clearly have their work cut out for them, according to results of the Editorial Work From Home Survey just completed by Editorial Solutions, Inc.
As documented in this summary of my tweets in September, workloads are on the rise for complicated reasons. Among them:
- Meetings take up increasingly more time out of the working day
- Sites seeking quick shift from traditional print to digital-first media must deliver a larger dose of original content—no cinch in view of current staff cutbacks.
Survey activity triggered several side-issue discussions. Leading that list was the obvious need for more editors to introduce quantitative thinking. And in-house training efforts, often not an editorial strong suit, will become even more difficult to execute.
Considerable tweeting activity was devoted to building interest in survey participation. Incentive to do so was excellent. Respondents received a free copy of my book Get Serious About Editorial Management, as well as an exclusive report detailing important survey findings. Some future studies will offer similar deals, so don’t miss out the next time. Meanwhile, if you like what you see, be sure to follow my regular Twitter feed.
Based on preliminary findings of my Editorial Work From Home Survey, already heavy workloads will continue to rise as more sites shoot for 100% original e-news delivery. At some point we clearly will need to restore staff sizes.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 25, 2020
Publishers who have caught the digital only bug and are striving to deliver 100% original content have noble goals. But can you really dare to wave goodbye to the usual back-of-book departments often packed with vendor news???
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 24, 2020
Digital-First Rewarding But Challenging, Say ASBPE Webinar Speakers https://t.co/BjAlWIr6L3
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 23, 2020
Today’s blog on immediacy being major hurdle for full-time editors working from home had pulled record first day response. Commentary also cites meeting overload as possible trouble-maker. Have a look!! https://t.co/A2CVAyJdcg
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 21, 2020
For editors hiring entry-level staff, my hour-a-day approach to training makes sense and is definitely video-ready. How it works: First ten days on the job, newcomer receives classroom training. Get details: editsol1@optimum.net.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 18, 2020
Seeking examples of how B2B editors can apply quantitative thinking when coping with management challenges? You should be, especially when dealing with remote staffs. Meanwhile, this recent article I wrote may help: https://t.co/cUIRi0fT3j
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 18, 2020
Like it or not, it’s necessary for editorial managers to create quantitative job descriptions covering scope of work-from-home staff assignments. Each finished document may suggest need to adjust expected volume per editor.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 16, 2020
Today is deadline for obtaining valuable input about work-from-home editorial challenges Participants who complete survey also receive copy of my B2B management book. For entry details: editsol1@optimum.net.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 16, 2020
Exclusive Work From Home Survey findings available only to B2B editors who complete questionnaire. Report also packed with meaningful quotes from participants. Deadline for entry closes 9/16. For details: editsol1@optimum.net.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 15, 2020
Deadline for completing my Work From Home Survey is 9/16/20. Participants get useful report based on input from respondents. B2B editors also receive copy of useful management book. For details: editsol1@optimum.net.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) September 15, 2020