BeyondBooks: ‘I have a natural interest in language’

She has always had a natural interest in language. It began in middle school when her school hosted Spell Bee International, and from about Class V onwards, she became more curious about words and how language works.

“Editing felt like a natural extension of that interest. It was also a prestigious opportunity, and being part of the editorial board allowed me to combine my language skills with something meaningful. That blend is what drew me to the role of Editor (English) for the school magazine,” Sohini Mondal, a student of Class XII at Apeejay School, Noida, said, in a candid interview, among other things.

How do you edit long write-ups without losing their essence?

In our magazine, word limits are usually not restrictive. The bigger challenge is clarity, especially since many juniors submit articles. Our focus is to retain the essence and the core idea while making the writing easier to understand. We ensure the plot or central thought remains intact, but the expression becomes clearer and smoother for the reader.

How are articles selected?

We have annual writing competitions, and the English department, especially our teacher, who heads the editorial team, shares the shortlisted articles with us. Students also email their submissions directly. We select pieces that are original, not plagiarised, and have authentic, relatable content that is actually useful or meaningful for students.

Can you explain your editing process in a professional context?

First, we read the article carefully; we check for spelling mistakes and typographical errors. After that, we look for redundancy or filler sentences that interrupt the flow. We also often change titles, since students tend to use very basic or long titles. The final aim is to create a title that draws the reader in and makes them want to read further.

How has being an editor helped improve your language skills?

Reading work by different students exposes you to varied writing styles and tones, which naturally improves your writing. My vocabulary has grown a lot. We are also planning to launch an editorial Instagram page with short articles and information snippets, and researching for that has broadened my knowledge even more.

What role do teachers play in supporting the editorial team?

They prepare the material for us, guide us through editing and designing, and give feedback at every stage. Whether it is the school magazine or the newsletter, the English department supports us throughout the process.