As you begin a new year filled with new writing projects, it’s helpful to think about how to have an effective relationship with your editor.
Here are some tips to remember:
- Your editor isn’t hoping to rip your writing to shreds. You want your editor to be honest with you and to 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. Be ready to learn from any criticism—learning is always a good thing.
- 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 reviewing your text. Editing is a collaborative process, and your work does not 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 about 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.)
You may not have done much writing. You may be working on your first manuscript. But remember that your editor has done a huge amount of reading and has seen a variety of texts. Let your editor put this knowledge and experience to work for your benefit.
As you work with your editor, keep your eyes open to the tips listed above. They’ll help you make the most of the editing process.
