By Gina Acosta and Amanda Traughber
for the American Copy Editors Association

Copy editors can maximize the performance of their intems and new hires if they recognize that inexperienced editors thrive on guidance, trust and a sense of belonging. That may sound straightforward enough, but former interns and new hires revealed specific ways slots coaxed out their best work or, in some cases, how rookies wish they had been encouraged. Former intern and new hires reported that their best slots reached beyond the goings-on of the desk to bring out the best in rookies.

Guidance is the first step to bringing new editors up to speed on what you expect of them and the other editors on your desk and what standards your newspaper has set. Some new editors' suggestions:
 

• Write a mission statement for your desk that outlines the desk's and the newspaper's goals.
• Have new copy editors adequate training and orientation. It is difficult to learn the ropes if you can't even hang on. Create a copy flow chart. On it, follow a slug from beginning to end and list the chain of command. Identify the people they should talk to about stories, page layouts, art, etc. (One new copy editor said it would help to have a nightly chart, too.) Better yet, introduce new editors to the people they'll deal with most. And if it's not possible to assign another copy editor to sit with trainees on their first night, at least provide cheat sheets. Shortcut commands for the computer are a must!
• Let the rookie know from the start what kind of load you expect him or her to pull. Some slots prefer a teaching approach that encourages learning to edit according to the paper's style before mastering editing on deadline - get it right first and then do it fast. Others expect rookies to shovel copy quickly from the start and master the specifics along the way.
• Make yourself available. New copy editors should be able to approach you without hesitation.
• Discuss the budget. If you don't already go over the budget with the rim, you should probably do it at least once with a new editor. Have it available (in some form) at all times.
• If you don't have one already, devise a stylebook. Tell rookies where to go to find updates and general editing rules.
• Don't change a headline without offering an explanation (impossible all the time, doable most of the time). Let the rookie know, sometime during the shift, why you changed the headline. Better yet, if you have the time, send the headline back and give the copy editor another shot at it. Leav- ing your rim in the dark about changes, especially changes in display type, erodes confidence and creates hostility.
• Keep new copy editors (well, all copy editors) informed. If you know you're going to send an editor a particular slug, say so as soon as possible. This helps new editors improve their display type.
• Give regular feedback. Many of the new copy editors we spoke with said twice a week after deadline would be nice. It is crucial for rookies to know the reasons behind the changes you make.
• Be as willing to praise as you are to critique. When a rookie makes a good catch or writes a headline that clicks with your newspaper's voice, say so. Striving to repeat a desirable behavior is a refreshing break from stepping cautiously to avoid a no-no.
• Make local information readily available. Files with the correct spellings of local officials and place names are essential for a new copy editor. Make a list of where to find these items and distribute it during orientation.
• Recommend books, magazines, web sites or any other relevant resources. This helps new copy editors know that you are interested in helping them learn.
• Be open to all questions. Don't say, "We just do it that way." Volunteer an explanation. Once new editors have mastered the basics, they start to expect a new level of trust. Usually, slots display trust by assigning greater responsibilities: feature-length stories, front-page stories, greater volume of copy or special duties such as writing keys to stories or managing the wires. When you appear to be taking a chance on a new editor, you send the message that you have faith in that editor's abilities. Once that message is sent, rookies have a great incentive to perform well - most will do anything not to let down someone who believes in them. Your vote of confidence can go a long way.

• Distributing work at an even pace. Don't wait six months to give new editors that challenging 70-incher. Consider them for tabs or projects.
• If your paper is covering a big story, give new editors a piece of the action, even if it's only a sidebar. Generally, big stories stir excitement throughout the newsroom, and new editors who are included in the buzz become inspired.
• Discuss career goals with new copy editors from the very beginning. Organizations are hiring more young or inexperienced copy editors, so it is important to ask your editors about their goals and whether they know how to achieve them. Encourage them to ask questions about career tracks and opportunities in the newsroom. Share these discussions with other managers. Your interest in new editors' career development shows them that you trust their ability now and that their future is worth caring about.

A few recommendations:

• Bad attitudes (from you or others) dont make a good impression on a young (and probably enthusiastic) copy editor. As a supervisor, you can groom new editors to avoid these attitudes. Be active and enthusiastic. Share your energy.
• Encourage communication. Have meetings with the copy desk so that new copy editors have a chance to meet everyone away from "work." Encourage talking over messaging.
• Start a "professional partners" program. Ask veterans on the desk or elsewhere in the newsroom to make themselves available to new editors in case they have questions they are too embarrassed or otherwise hesitant to ask superiors. This only works, though, if professional partners commit to reach out to new editors. One way to ensure a good connection is to pair veterans who have something in common with their new editors, such as alma maters or hobbies.
• Work at getting to know your new copy editor. Ask questions. If members of your desk go out after work, encourage them to invite new editors. Be fair with vacation, scheduling, etc. New copy editors may be at the bottom of the ladder, but they still have lives. If you establish a policy, stick with it. Encourage your new copy editors to join ACES.