Editor – friend or foe

A post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The relationship between editors and writers is always a point of concern. Before I signed up with my publisher, Champagne, I was afraid of editors. They seemed almost mythical creatures with all the powers, hidden somewhere in their all-knowing towers, like grammar magicians, while I, the lowly writer, toiled below.

I have revised my view of editors since and stopped being afraid. An editor still has some power, but mostly, I now view an editor as my helper. The editor’s task is to make my manuscript better. Below are several common wisdoms about editors and my musings on them.

Editor is a necessity

Absolutely. An editor provides a fresh set of eyes to look at your manuscript, a much-needed feedback. In most cases, an editor knows her craft and is able to see problems with your grammar and kinks in your story. I was lucky with my Champagne editor, Nikki Andrews. I accepted over 90% of her suggestions, and it made my novels better.

Editor is God

Not true. Editors are human, like the rest of us. They are fallible and they have their personal preferences, which not always coincide with the writer’s. Once, I had a contract with a publisher, and the editor assigned by that publisher hated my story and my protagonist. She couldn’t even read the manuscript to its conclusion. She sent it back to me, demanding that I change the story and the protagonist. I refused, and my contract was terminated.

Of course I was very upset at the time, but now, looking back, I don’t regret the choice I made then. We were not a good fit, that editor and I, which is mandatory for a successful editing job. Moreover, her passionate rejection of my protagonist was actually a good sign. She hated my heroine as if she was alive. My story inspired strong emotions – a cause for celebration for any writer.

Editor’s word is law

Not really, but in most cases, it’s a good idea to accept your editor’s suggestions, especially with the small stuff: word choice, sentence structure, too many adjectives, etc. That’s why she is your editor after all. But a good editor always allows you a leeway, always remembers that it is your story. If you disagree – ask questions. Try to explain your stand. Discuss. Find a compromise. The more you work on your story, together with your editor, the better it is.

Conclusion

An editor is not your enemy or your friend, nor a god. She is there to help you. Use her help to improve your story.