Working With Your Editor

I learn something new about style, rules, or my writing idiosyncracies with every editor I work with. The key to the entire experience is to gain from the knowledge and not kick against the pricks.

Today I'm working on edits for my upcoming contemporary novel PAINT ME ALTHENA (August 2013). I have a new editor on this one. This is the 5th editor I've worked with on my fiction. Just like the others, she's brought something to the table I've never noticed about my writing before. In this case (as in a few others previously) it's an unconcious writing habit I need to get over.

When you work with an editor, you won't always agree with a substantive change, or you might feel you have to justify your position in a choice of wording or character peculiarity, but ultimately you need to remain gracious and bendable because, usually, the editor is right. I've been offering writing instruction to young writers in my homeschool community and through a Novel Writing Site tutorials, and in both places I stress that writers have to grow thick skins. The fact is, you'll never quit learning and getting better at your craft unless you can take criticism and remember that your published book is not a kingdom built on the island of YOU. There are other names at stake -- your publisher's, your editor's, your designer's, and anyone who endorses your book or allows you a visit to their blog.

So be flexible. Consider what those editors are telling you. Don't quibble over inconsequential things. If something worthy of discussion does arise, something that is really dear to you, then address it graciously.

The publishing world is not as big as you think. The author's is not the only name out there in the finished book. It'll also be connected to the people you work with and mentioned among others in the publishing community. In that world, do you want to be thought of as an egotistical writer, or as a growing writer, willing to travel this journey with a team?

Not always easy, but I'd rather be the latter.

By the way, should my editor happen to read this, I hope she'll note that I didn't begin any sentences with "but". ;)

Write on!

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