Editing

I’ve been published since 2007 and since that time I’ve had A LOT of editors. Some I’ve kept longer than others. I can only hope they didn’t move jobs just to be shot of me. I’ve never asked to change an editor. I’ve just accepted who I was given. I’ve never had an issue where I’ve felt I’d have preferred a different editor though I have to be honest and say I’ve liked some a lot better than others.

Does it matter whether an author likes her editor? Isn’t it more important that they do a good job? They’re not supposed to be an author’s friend. True, but I’d argue if an author has a good relationship with her editor, a better book is produced.

The very first editor I had, on the first story I had accepted – opened my eyes to my shortcomings- big time. My script came back with corrections everywhere, not one page without red all over it and I was so upset I burst into tears. But I learned what to do and what not to do and that never happened to me again. A comment I do hear a lot is that my scripts are very clean. That’s thanks to beta readers too! But to hear that my scripts are a pleasure to read is something I cherish.

Some editors don’t get the right balance between suggested changes and praise. I know no one has time to write – I like that – or Funny! – or – that made me cry- all over the place but to have NO comments of that type whatsoever makes me think the editor didn’t like the book. Maybe she didn’t. I say – she – because I’ve never had a male editor. When an acceptance letter doesn’t even offer much praise – having a comment-less edit (apart from corrections/suggestions) confirms to me that the editor doesn’t like it. Not a comfortable feeling. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to have – I enjoyed this story, particularly the relationship between X and Y and am delighted to offer you a contract… blah blah

On the other hand too much praise can be counterproductive. It can give an author an inflated opinion of their work. I don’t want to be gushed over. So as with everything – it’s a matter of balance. Pointing out mistakes, inconsistencies etc but taking the time to say – that was a lovely bit of writing – to me is the editor I want to have.