I would like to introduce Wells Mahkee, Editor or the Navajo/Hopi Observer Newspaper in Flagstaff, AZ.  So Wells, let’s get started on what a day holds for you as an editor for a newspaper,

How long have you been an editor for the Navajo/Hopi Observer?

I am coming upon my third year as managing editor for the NHO.  I started with the Observer on Oct. 25, 2006

What did you do before you became an editor?

Prior to working for the NHO, I used to work as an adult basic education tutor at our local community college and before that, I worked as a report production coordinator for a local archaeology firm.

Do you need a degree in journalism to become an editor?

What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years?

Have you thought about writing a book?

Yes I have, but I have yet to get around to it. I’ve got a few ideas in mind for a possible book, but don’t want to reveal anything just yet.

Tell us what a normal work day holds for you at the Navajo/Hopi Observer?

Two words: organized chaos. Ha ha. Actually, since we’re such a small staff, we all wear more than one hat. For example, I am an editor by title, but I also do writing, layout and pagination, and some graphic work as well as keeping our website (www.nhonews.com) updated and answer phone calls and e-mails. So we all do a little bit of everything each day. It keeps things interesting. But in general, Mondays are when we prepare and send our paper to be printed, Tuesday is usually website update day, Wednesdays and Thursdays are when I pull all of my editorial submissions together and Fridays are spent editing and preparing everything for publication the following Monday. So every week is pretty busy.

Have you wrote for any other newspaper?

Back around 1995, I believe, prior to graduating from college, I started out as a freelance writer for a small community newspaper called “The Shiwi Messenger” that ceased publication around 2002. Then, around 2005, I think, I did freelance writing for another small paper called “The Zuni Post” that was around for about a year.

What advice would you give a person interested in this line of work?

Being an editor or journalist is not an easy job, but in my opinion, it’s very rewarding. As I stated before, having a strong writing background is helpful, so I would encourage someone interested in becoming an editor or journalist to explore different types of journalistic writing to get a good feel for what’s out there. But bottom line, be prepared to work hard!

With the way the economy is would you say it is hard to get a job as an editor?

With so many newspapers having financial troubles and laying off hundreds of good journalists, or in the worst case, shutting down, I would have to say that it would be pretty difficult to obtain a job as an editor right now, but I wouldn’t give up just yet. Persistence does pay off, especially if you possess a number of different, but related skills that someone is looking for. Right now, it’s all about getting more bang for the buck.

Have you ever thought about becoming an editor for a publisher?

Actually, I do work for a publisher already. Mr. Doug Wells is publisher of both the NHO and the Williams-Grand Canyon News.

What would you recommend to somebody who wanted to become an editor?

 Wells, thank you for being here.  You have given us a wealth of knowledge in the editing world. 

Walk in peace and harmony,

Melinda

2 Comments »

1. 

   Wells,

   I just received this email from Bill Anderson:

   Melinda
   How can I subscribe to the Navajo/Hopi Observer Newspaper?

   Bill Anderson

   I gave him the link to the NHO and explained he could subscribe from the link there

   This is just great
   Thank you Bill for taking note and being interested.

   Walk in peace and harmony,

   Melinda

   Comment by Melinda Elmore — October 21, 2009 @ 5:40 pm

2. 

   Melinda and Wells,
   Would you two permit me to put a short article in IndianLand with the following, title probably “An Editor’s LIfe”:
   Tell us what a normal work day holds for you at the Navajo/Hopi Observer?
   Two words: organized chaos. Ha ha. Actually, since we’re such a small staff, we all wear more than one hat. For example, I am an editor by title, but I also do writing, layout and pagination, and some graphic work as well as keeping our website (www.nhonews.com) updated and answer phone calls and e-mails. So we all do a little bit of everything each day. It keeps things interesting. But in general, Mondays are when we prepare and send our paper to be printed, Tuesday is usually website update day, Wednesdays and Thursdays are when I pull all of my editorial submissions together and Fridays are spent editing and preparing everything for publication the following Monday. So every week is pretty busy.”

   I note that the text would contain his webaddress, and my intro would have Melinda’s web address.

   Melissa, you might tell Wells I think his prose is exemplary — direct, clear, vigorous, sometimes funny. No wonder people are writing in asking how to subscribe to the paper.

   – Bill

   Comment by Bill Stubbs — October 24, 2009 @ 3:44 pm

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