Working with Editors

So, we get the publishing deal, all seems well and then we start working with an editor – and at times it’s as if we’re being asked to make a lot of changes. There are a couple of things to remember here though: - you book has already been accepted so this is about making it the best it can be, not about finding fault with it, and the editorial staff are on your side.

I guess I am writing this partly from the point of view of an editor but if I’d known these things when I first started having work accepted and then was put under scrutiny of an in-house editor I’d have felt a lot more comfortable.  

1.     Make sure the text is the best it can be

You’ll often be asked to send the very latest version of your text.  And you will be given a deadline, sometimes a quite generous one.  Take this opportunity to edit your text once again.  Chances are it’s a while since you last touched the text. You’ve grown as a writer since then and you might notice something you didn’t see earlier now that you have a little distance.

The better your text is in the first place, the better it will be once edited.

2.     Take notice of what the editor says

Very often an editor will notice something is out of kilter but what they suggest isn’t always the best solution. Respect their wisdom. They have some experience at this. But it’s now up to you to come up with something even better.

Even a lot of comments and tracked changes don’t mean they think the text is bad. Chances are that a lack of experience or imposter syndrome is talking.

Very occasionally you will disagree with an editor. You’ll stand more chance of being taken seriously if you have shown your trust and respect earlier in the process.

3.     Be disciplined

You’re likely to go through three stages of editing and then a proof read. Don’t muddy the waters by addressing at the second stage what should have happened in the first one. Be thorough in each edit.  Don’t attempt to add a new scene at proof read stage. And be disciplined about naming each edit so that you and your editor have full version control.    

Your in-house editor is your friend. They are on your side.