He used to seek out reporters in social situations and engage them in conversations about their stories. Ore. Waller recognizes that one of the problems copy editors face is that they work a different schedule from most of the reporters and assigning editors, and that the normal routine simply does not afford many opportunities for casual conversation with those colleagues. So, when copy editors do their jobs by raising red flags, they will be challenging virtual strangers who, Waller notes, will be anything but emotionally detached about their stories. And these delicate exchanges will be taking place at the worst possible time. From the copy editors viewpoint, Waller believes that more is required than simply marshalling your facts, and presenting them thoughtfully, calmly, reasonably and quickly.
Copy editors have to go out of their way to establish themselves as caring professionals.
And the time to do that is when the atmosphere is less charged. Find ways to approach them and get to know them personally. Go out for a beer after work or seek them out at staff parties or in the cafeteria. Whatever you do, find ways to develop relationships with these people so that when conflicts arise in the heat of deadline, you re not a nameless, faceless, clueless copy editor but a thoughtful professional with keen insights and valid opinions. In talking with Waller later about his remarks, I agreed that copy editors should take his advice, but I wondered if senior editors ought to be doing something to foster the socializing process.