Been there, done that.
I'm sure that more often than not my own writing would benefit considerably
from being reviewed by a good editor. In fact, a number of years ago, I actually
found myself in just such a situation, and though at first I wondered what I'd
fallen into, I eventually learned a great deal from the experience.
I had been contracted by an English language site to prepare date-related, almanac-style
content. I was expected to write a paragraph of about 120 words about two or
three events of historic significance. I was free to choose which events I wanted
to cover. Thinking that I'd fulfilled my task, I sent my copy to an editor who
then proceeded to red-pencil me in a manner I'd never encountered before. He
would return the text to me, remarking, for instance, that though the conclusion
I'd reached as to the significance of an event was interesting, and perhaps
even correct, what I'd written about the event didn't merit such a conclusion.
Often, one short paragraph passed between us as many as four times until both
of us were satisfied with the content.
The vast majority of personal web content doesn't get filtered through the eyes
of an editor, and I have no doubt that that's part of its special charm. But
it many cases it certainly wouldn't hurt.
Go to: Your editor knows best, or
Go to: A cyberspace hero is something to be, or
Go to: Why don't you write a book?