The bulk of my training
so far has been in educational publishing. Friedrich
Nietzsche said “one repays a teacher badly
if one always remains nothing but a pupil”.
I have included testimonials from two of my pupils
who have repaid me exceptionally well.
Renette Pickering, 21 May 2009
In June 2000, Elsibe introduced me to the publishing
world by providing me with a manuscript to proofread.
We received a single piece of feedback: that I
had missed one spelling error. I was devastated!
Elsibe helped to place things in perspective –
something that she has continued to do for me
in many jobs since then. In 2001 I started working as freelancer
for ICG, where I received training from Elsibe
for many years. During this time, she led by example,
using language evocatively and purposefully, explaining
grammar clearly, and treating people with tremendous
respect and patience.
Elsibe is always in control; always
stylish; always ready to offer help. For me, she
was much more than a teacher; she was the perfect
mentor. In her company, I always felt important
and capable.
At first, I did some work for Elsibe
on sub-contract basis while we were both freelancers,
and when she became a permanent staff manager
at ICG, our relationship continued, as did the
training.
I received this training in the
form of feedback forms that were written according
to the editor's rubric. The forms included ratings
that showed the areas in which I could improve.
My performance was monitored and improved over
time until I, myself, started training editors
in this process. So I eventually became a Quality
Checker (QCer).
Elsibe also organised group updates
from time to time to convey general company decisions
and to align work processes and perceptions of
them. When I became a contract worker for ICG,
Elsibe kept me involved in company affairs, and
always made me feel a part of the team.
Under her mentorship, I developed
many skills that helped me to become a confident
editor. I also developed skills that have helped
me extensively in life. For example:
• Elsibe provided input in
many manuscripts that I had edited. She honed
my language skills by giving pointed feedback
on my use of grammar, and taught me to be more
critical.
• Elsibe trained me in the principles of
distance-education writing, a simple style that
I have found useful in most forms of communication.
• Elsibe taught me the ICG house style.
• She taught me to be alert to structural
and typographic elements in text, also ensuring
that didactic components are adhered to.
• Elsibe trained me in outcomes-based education
principles. She ensured that I had sufficient
knowledge of the workings of SAQA to operate as
an editor in the education field.
• Elsibe provided constant support in the
use of in-house processes. She helped me to work
well within the corporate environment.
• She trained me to have appropriate expectations
of authors and to manage effective relationships
with everyone who played a part in the production
of study material.
• Elsibe offered support in the use of computer
software.
• She provided information on copyright
issues.
I am deeply grateful for Elsibe's
nurturing influence, and believe that she has
helped me a great deal in achieving my goals as
an editor.
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