As the editor of two nursing journals, I'm routinely told by nurses that they can't write as well as the authors of published articles. I always tell them, "It's our job as editors to improve your writing." But many quit before they start.

Maureen Shawn Kennedy's commentary on Thelma M. Schorr's editorial in a 1977 issue of AJN neatly highlights the biggest barrier I have as an editor: weeding out the ubiquitous academic speak and passive voice. I'd like to say we've improved some since the late 1970s, but apparently not. I routinely cut 20% of most of our submissions without losing an iota of content.

Wendie A. Howland, MN, RN-BC, CNLCP

Cape Cod, MA