This post is a reflection of a post from last January with a list of helpful things to remember when working with your editor. I’ve added three items to that list:
- Your editor isn’t hoping to rip your writing to shreds. You want your editor to be honest with you and do his or her best to improve your work. Just like you wouldn’t want your teacher to hold you to low standards—that would be a waste of your time and potential—you shouldn’t want your editor to do so either. Your editor’s toughness will benefit you. And if this means red marks all over your pages, view it as a positive aspect of the writing process.
- Be open to criticism. And learn how to handle it. Creating can be a tough process. When you receive suggestions for ways to make your writing better, your first reaction may be to become defensive. But this won’t serve you well. Be prepared with thick skin. And be ready to learn from constructive criticism.
- Your editor doesn’t hate your writing. And it shouldn’t matter whether he or she does. Just as teachers don’t need to like their students to teach them well, your editor doesn’t need to like your writing to ensure it turns out great. If you’re getting only positive feedback from your editor, this may mean your editor doesn’t have the skills to recognize what should be different. Or maybe your editor is afraid to upset you—neither will benefit you.
- There will be work for you to do when your editor is finished. Editing is a collaborative process, and your work doesn’t end as soon as you hand your document to your editor. Be disciplined. Keep revising. Learn from the edits. Remember that you don’t have to accept every change your editor suggests. It’s your work, and you have the final say.
- Your editor should have a rationale for every change and suggestion. There’s a reason for every change I make to a text and for every suggestion I make to writers. If it isn’t already noted on your text, ask your editor why he or she is suggesting a specific change. Your editor should also have a philosophy that guides his or her work—this is something that’s also helpful to ask your editor about. (See this post to read about my editing philosophy.)
- Be patient. You’re eager to finish your project. You want to get started on the final draft. If you think your editor is too slow, trust that he or she is giving your writing the careful attention it needs. Ideally, you’ve agreed on a timeline for completion, so there’s no need to worry that your editor is taking too long.
- Ask questions. Communicate with your editor. Ask about changes or suggested changes to your text that you don’t understand. (And don’t be afraid of making spelling or grammar errors in the emails you send to your editor.) Your editor should be encouraging, positive, and willing to answer your questions as he or she helps you through the writing process.
- Enjoy the process. When you receive your edited draft, be excited! You’re about to learn how to improve your writing and end up with the best possible finished product. You and your editor are a team. And you’re on your way to achieving the goals you have for your writing.
To ensure an effective relationship with your editor, remember these tips. Here’s to a productive year full of polished writing!
