Should Writers Fear Editors?

Some writers rely on editors to raise the value of their work; some seem to cast the editor as the nemesis to free expression.

I'm heading into the writing of two new books with much anticipatory joy because I'll have two editors for each book…

Alan Rinzler is a seasoned consulting editor; and, you can even view a list of some of the authors Mr. Rinzler has worked with.

Alan, in his article, Fear of Editors, delves into the Realities of the Author/Editor relationship by clearing up the following, common Perceptions:

"I'll lose control of my own creation."

"I'll be intimidated, and won't be able to resist making changes that I think are wrong.  I worry that the book will lose my voice."

"I can't tell if an editor is any good or not since there's no rating system, license, or industry standard."

"Agents won't take on my book if I've worked with a private editor."

"If I do get an agent or publisher, I won't be able to produce another book as good as the first one without help."

"An editor will produce a new manuscript and I won't be able to restore the original if that's what I decide to do."

"I'm already in a writer's critique group and don't need any other help."

"I won't be able to have a close working relationship with an editor since I haven't found one who lives nearby."

"Developmental editing is expensive. Is it really worth the investment?"

Then, after his rectifications of those misperceptions, he gives a link to another article, Choosing a freelance editor: What you need to know.

Have you worked with a developmental editor?

Do you have author friends who have?

Did you/they have a good, bad, or mixed experience?

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Tagged: Alan Rinzler, Developmental Editor, Editing A Manuscript, Freelance Editor, Literary editor, writer, writing, Writing and Editing