I edited my first paper at the age of eighteen, recently returned from the exotic mission field in Tanzania. My Danish left a lot to be desired, but my pastor helped me continuously, so the result was probably acceptable.
Since then it has gone from strength to strength, and over the years I have edited dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites. And I have found that editing is really about three things: sort, prioritize and formulate.
People usually write according to the academic narrative model. They learned that in school. They begin with the beginning and end with the end. But that's not necessarily the best way to tell the story.
The reader must have a hook. What is the most exciting thing in the article? What creates images on the retina? What is the most important message? In the editorial, it may be an experience further down in the article that needs to be moved up in the introduction.
In the interview, it may be what the source says when you are on your way out the door that frames the entire interview. Then it must be the first quote in the portrait. In the news, it is important to remember important details such as the time and place of the activity.
Think about it: you often forget something so basic. In our church magazine, the new pastor was introduced. But the writer forgot to write the priest's name!