From Writer to Editor

November 1, 2022

I’ve read and written for Rejoice! magazine for years, and now as the new editor, I’m eagerly learning more about the publishing side.

I’m delighted to be working with a wonderful team that includes the publisher/executive director, prayer request editor/editorial assistant, copy editor, designer, proofreader, the managing editor who put me in touch with an intern to write some meditations, the adult Bible study editor so I can include Scripture texts from the curriculum, customer service folks, and a huge pool of writers.

Whew! So much for the solitary writer at home alone. I’m grateful for these many connections on the writing and editing side, and grateful for all of our churches and readers.

The biggest difference for me in making the transition from writer to editor is that as a writer, I would write a week of meditations for one issue—now as an editor, I work on three issues at the same time. So this week:

for our ’23 Spring issue, the editing, copyediting, and design are now done, and I need to send the designed issue to the proofreader.
for our ’23 Summer issue, the deadline for our writers is today—some have already submitted their meditations, more should roll in today, and I’ll follow up with the rest as needed and start editing.
for our ’23 Fall issue, I am assigning and confirming writers.

Since this is all new to me, it feels busy, but I love it! And once I get used to the new rhythm, I know it will be a great fit with my other writing, speaking, and living life.

Writing/Reflection Prompt: What delights you in this season?

Nurture your soul through the quarterly devotional magazine, Rejoice! Each day’s entry features a Bible reading, a short inspirational message, and a prayer of response. The magazine also includes inspirational stories and poems, and daily prayer requests representing Mennonite mission workers, schools, and church agencies.

To subscribe, purchase single copies, or give a gift subscription, please see MennoMedia.

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5 responses

schroedereh

Nov 1, 2022

Thanks, April, as a devotional writer for Rejoice, this gives me a good insight into your work as editor. My husband, Hardy, was praise and prayer editor for the MB edition at one time. We are praying for you as you take on this new venture.

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Nov 1, 2022
  
  I’m glad to be working with you, Elfrieda! And I appreciate that detail about Hardy’s editorial work. Now that there’s just one common edition, we’re working at including praise and prayer items from both Mennonite Church and Mennonite Brethren church agencies.
  
  Reply
Christine Sine

Nov 1, 2022

Congratulations on your new position

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Nov 1, 2022
  
  Thank you, Christine. I’m glad that I can serve as editor of Rejoice! and continue contributing to Godspace too.
  
  Reply
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Faith and Hope with April Yamasaki

Visit my home page for an overview

I write, edit, teach, preach, and mentor in a variety of venues, platforms, and publications. The common thread? To encourage and inspire people of all ages to live with faith and hope. I’d love for you to join me!

In all the challenges, joys, and ordinary moments of daily life, God’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).