My text editing background

This post primarily supports planned posts about writing, editing and expanded skills needed by contemporary PJs.

Unless it's necessary, I try to avoid using first person. Today it's required because this post is about my personal text editing process and background.

Although some of my longer pieces were (rightfully) criticized for verbosity, let's remember PJs must consistently summarize entire stories into two succinct sentences. These are rarely criticized for brevity. Few text reporters can make similar claims.

By seeing my training and editing process, writers might consider how editors and readers view their work. Additionally, PJs should realize they must have complete skill sets to compete for remaining jobs in a difficult market.

I've also been asked several times recently to edit and evaluate the work of other writers. Most of these pieces were written by non-journalists. While I'm known for being a stern editor of images, I edit writing more harshly because writing doesn't have the same physical limitations of photography.

Writers often select subject matter. Writers also tend to have more time to work on stories than visual reporters. A written story can be polished to its highest quality. PJs are much less likely to have this luxury.

In short, writers must not waste readers' time.

Writing background
In the Army, I studied writing as a hobby. While enlisted, I had some fiction work published and a song produced in Nashville. Upon release, I earned my first pro income as a freelance humor writer for a studio greeting card company.

In college, I won a literary award during my first semester. When I started journalism studies, I was a text reporter for the college paper. Later, I moved to news editor and ultimately to Editor of an independent university newspaper. Some of my stories won national awards.

I simultaneously worked on my visual reporting skills. I learned I could tell more stories to more people in less time with still images. Photojournalism remains the most powerful form of communication.

College experience
I never intended to be an editor. I wanted to be a reporter/PJ. However, my journalism instructors were world-renown editors and writing coaches. In college, I was one of the most qualified candidates for the news editing job, so I did it.

I learned much about quickly moving college students from novice writers to reporters. I mainly focused on the mechanics of the story. Once reporters understood the basics, they could produce better work. This approach allowed many reporters to advance rapidly, win collegiate writing awards and scholarships.

Turning pro
After graduation (and a lecture by David Leeson), I concentrated on getting a job only as a visual reporter. Leeson spent his first few years as a text reporter before switching to images and didn't want other PJs to waste valuable time. I followed his advice.

Once I was a staff PJ, I'd occasionally write extended cutlines, news stories, columns and even poetry. PhotoJournalism (this blog) evolved from these pro writing experiences.

Finding only the best
The Beaumont Enterprise had a monthly in-house newspaper content contest. The contest awarded cash prizes in the categories of writing, reporting, enterprise, editing (copy/design) and photo.

The winners of the contest weren't allowed to win the following month because they selected and judged the upcoming month. The results were released around the 20th of each month.

Consequently, each category winner had about 10 days to read, assess and select entries to be judged from a month's worth of newspapers in all five categories. By the contest meeting, each judge was familiar with the month's best work. The judging process only took about an hour to achieve consensus on two finalists in each category. These finalists were presented to the Editor for final selection of a winner.

While it was a noble endeavor, it turned something great (winning) into a chore (quickly reading 30 entire daily papers).

The process redefined my text editing style. I needed to quickly eliminate stories from the reading list. The pieces by other winners were immediately eliminated due to the contest rules. However, a significant volume of work remained to be considered.

During this review, I stopped reading stories if I found any mistake (fact, typo, grammar, style, etc.). I was only searching for the best examples. There's no way to defend a flawed story to other judges, so I'd move to the next story.

With red pen in hand, I tackled the papers. The second I found a mistake or lost interest in a story, I'd circle the mistake and/or draw a red slash at the point I jumped. It forced me to realize other people would do the same to my work. Hopefully, this made me a better writer.

Looking forward
While I'm doing fine as a freelancer, I prefer to be a staffer. Freelance feels too much like retirement. I'm not ready to retire.

Consequently, I've applied for several non-PJ jobs this fall. Despite the volume and quality of available professionals, I've been a short-list finalist for the following positions: copy editor/newspaper designer, associate book editor/designer and managing editor of a promising online publication.

All of these positions required well-rounded reporting and design skills. Most required above-average professional text editing skills. Collegiate PJs without these skills should take heed and learn these skills quickly and thoroughly.

I have several brands in the fire. I expect to continue work as a freelance PJ in the future. However, I'm continuing to learn and expand other skills to make myself more marketable to employers.

The current marketplace simply doesn't acknowledge any "dues paid" or dried laurels on a mantel. There's too much pro talent on the loose during this industrial crisis.

While all PJs prefer to shoot, we must expand our skills to handle whatever happens. Communicators with the ability to organize text, images, video and sound as an author, designer or editor have the strongest chances of survival in this industry or beyond.

Enough for now,

Rio Grande Plate battle

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

FC Dallas' Anthony Wallace (No. 26, bottom) keeps the ball in play during the Rio Grande Plate exhibition soccer game against UANL Tigres at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008.


UANL Tigres goal keeper Oscar Perez kicks the ball during the Rio Grande Plate exhibition soccer game against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. The Tigres won the first of two plate games in February at home in Monterrey, Mexico.


FC Dallas' Jamie Watson (No. 31,right) dribbles the ball as UANL Tigres' Jonathan De Leon (No. 59, left) follows during the exhibition soccer game.


UANL Tigres' Israel Jimenez (No. 62, left) approaches as FC Dallas' Bobby Rhine (No. 19, right) passes the ball during the soccer game.


FC Dallas' Jamie Watson (No. 31, left) and Aaron Pitchkolan (No. 17, right) celebrate the first goal against UANL Tigres during the Rio Grande Plate exhibition soccer game at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas eventually won the game 3-2.



UANL Tigres' Blas Perez (No. 9, left) fires a bicycle kick at FC Dallas' goal keeper Ray Burse (No. 30, right) as Anthony Wallace (No. 26, center) approaches during the Rio Grande Plate exhibition soccer game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Because each team won one game, the plate was decided by penalty kicks. The Tigres won the shootout and plate honors for a second year.

"FC Dallas beats Tigres in second leg but loses Rio Grande Plate" by Diegot Aparicio / Al Día

UANL Tigres train in Frisco

photos © Mark M. Hancock and Al Dia

UANL Tigres' cleats await the arrival of the team before a training session at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008.


UANL Tigres goal tender Oscar Perez blocks a shot on goal during a training session at Pizza Hut Park. The team will challenge FC Dallas in and exhibition match for the Rio Grande Plate on Tuesday.



UANL Tigres' coach Manuel Lapuente has a laugh before a training session at Pizza Hut Park.



UANL Tigres' Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca has his ankle wrapped before a training session in Frisco.



UANL Tigres' Francisco Fonseca (No. 26, left) and Mario Ruiz (No. 15, right) scrimmage during a training session at Pizza Hut Park.


UANL Tigres' Manuel Viniegra Garcia (No. 58, left) and Jose Rivas (No. 24, right) battle for the ball during a training session.


UANL Tigres' Jonathan De Leon (No. 59, left) and Francisco Javier Acuna Victor (No. 50, right) battle for the ball during a training session at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.

Please read, "FC Dallas vs. Tigres preview" by Diego Aparicio / Al Día

Festival Sabor A Mexico

photos © Mark M. Hancock and Al Dia

Organizing committee member Claudia Torrescano (left) prepares tables before the Festival Sabor A Mexico at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008.




(Above) The group Pindekuecha of Michocan, Mexico performs during the Festival Sabor A Mexico.

(Right) Helia Tovar Olvera with Centro Artesanal Mexicano sells alter items at the Latino Cultural Center.





(Above) Lilia Cortes Farfan of Michocan, Mexico rolls a poster at a heritage table at the Latino Cultural Center.

(Left) Juan Zacarias with the group Pindekuecha (left) talks with William Sandoval of Dallas (right) during the Festival Sabor A Mexico.





(Above) Jaime Heredia (top) with Son De Mexico talks with band mate Marcos Heredia, Jr. (bottom) at the Latino Cultural Center.

(Right) Cesar Hernandez of Irving eats lunch with others during the Festival Sabor A Mexico at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas.



Please read, "Le dan sabor a México a festival del CCL en Dallas" (translated) by Patricia Estrada.

FC Dallas vs. Toronto soccer

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

David Torres, 3, rides the shoulders of his father, Robert Torres of Plano, before an FC Dallas Major League Soccer game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.


FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham (No. 9, right) tangles with Toronto's Nana Attakora-Gyan (No. 29, left) during an MLS game at Pizza Hut Park.


Toronto's Greg Sutton (No. 1, left) blocks the kick of FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper (No. 33, right) during an MLS game in Frisco.




(Above) Toronto's Marvell Wynne (No. 16, bottom) denies a clear path to FC Dallas' Marcelo Saragosa (No. 5, top) during soccer game at Pizza Hut Park.

(Right) FC Dallas' Marcelo Saragosa (No. 5, top) uses his head over Toronto's Marvell Wynne (No. 16, right).





(Above) FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham (No. 9, right) makes Toronto's Marvell Wynne (No. 16, left) lose his balance during an MLS game at Pizza Hut Park.

(Left) Travis Bell of Dallas cheers for FC Dallas during a Major League Soccer game against Toronto in Frisco.



FC Dallas' Blake Wagner (No. 23, right) tries to find a way around Toronto's Rohan Ricketts (No. 10, left) during an MLS game at Pizza Hut Park.


Toronto's Nana Attakora-Gyan (No. 29, left) holds FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham (No. 9, right) during a Major League Soccer game in Frisco.


FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham (No. 9, right pushes off Toronto's Marvell Wynne (No. 16, left) during a Major League Soccer game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.

Please read, "Cooper salvages tie for FC Dallas" by Diego Aparicio / Al Día

Argyle vs. Prosper football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Argyle's Chad Hedlund (No. 12, right) sprints toward the goal as Prosper's Drew Bristol (No. 50, left) follows during a District 9-3A football game in Prosper on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008.


Argyle's Tyler Sweatt (No. 7, left to right) is surrounded and the pass is intercepted by Prosper's Drew Miller (No. 44), Dillon Hood (No. 21) and Brett Thompson (No. 23) during a high school football game.


Prosper's Brett Thompson (No. 23, left) tries to get around Argyle's Scotty Stewart (No. 2, right) during a District 9-3A football game.


Prosper's Rusty Neely (No. 6, center) is stopped by Argyle's Matt Moore (No. 20, left) and Blake Dunham (No. 11, right) during a football game.


Prosper's Brett Thompson (No. 23, top) dives over Argyle's intended receiver Brady Brown (No. 24, bottom) during a District 9-3A football game in Prosper. Prosper won the game 35-14.

Please read, "Prosper 35, Argyle 14."

Steve Denson recruits diversity

Steve Denson, director of diversity and lecturer for Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, poses for a portrait at the university in Dallas on Tuesday, July 15, 2008.

photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com



Steve Denson poses for a portrait. Companies have offered starting salaries to qualified minority MBA graduates in the range of $80,000 to $120,000. Still, American Indians comprise less than one percent of enrollment in MBA programs.



Steve Denson wears a hand-made bolo. Denson is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of American Indians.


Steve Denson, director of diversity and lecturer for Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, poses for a portrait at the university in Dallas. Denson is authorized to aggressively recruit minorities for the university's MBA program.


To learn more about the project, please read the MBA success story of Peter Patnaude.

Frisco vs. Frisco Liberty football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Frisco Liberty's Corvellas Cage (No. 15, left) and Blake Kozeny (No. 8, right) scramble for a fumbled return as Frisco's defense arrives during a District 9-4A high school football game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008.


Frisco Liberty's Tristan McQuay (No. 11, center) breaks through Frisco's defense during a football game at Pizza Hut Park.


Frisco's Josh Hill (No. 21, right) powers past Frisco Liberty's Malcolm Hill (No. 2, left) during a football game in Frisco.


Frisco Liberty's Matt Clark (No. 10, center) sprints through a hole as Frisco's Cord Ary (No. 27, left) pursues during a District 9-4A high school football game.


Frisco Liberty's Tristan McQuay (No. 11, center) is surrounded by Frisco's defense during a football game at Pizza Hut Park.


Frisco Liberty's Cameron Brown (No. 80, left) pulls in a touchdown pass as Frisco's Dezi Beltran (No. 3, right) defends during a District 9-4A high school football game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Frisco Liberty won 35-13.

Richardson Berkner vs. Carrollton Creekview football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Richardson Berkner's Jerome Regal (No. 4, left) and Corey Dixon (No. 3, right) try to intercept a Carrollton Creekview pass during a district high school football game at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008. Both teams started the game with perfect seasons.


Richardson Berkner's quarterback Lawrence Williams laterals the ball during a district high school football game against Carrollton Creekview.


Carrollton Creekview's Ryan Wilson looks for an opening during a district high school football game against Richardson Berkner.



Carrollton Creekview's Scotty Grau (No. 12, left) mows down a Richardson Berkner defender during a district high school football game.


Richardson Berkner's quarterback Lawrence Williams (No. 7, left) gets surrounded by Carrollton Creekview's defense during a district high school football game.


Carrollton Creekview's Ryan Wilson (No. 4, left) gets tripped up by Richardson Berkner's defense during a district high school football game at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton. Creekview won the game 21-14.

Please read, "QB a good option for Creekview in 21-14 win" by Keith Whitmire / The Dallas Morning News