Worried about Working with an Editor?

Sometimes, writers are nervous about sharing their work with editors. If an author hasn’t worked with an editor before, or if they had a bad experience with an editor previously, the author may wonder how the editing process will work or worry about working with someone new. Can the editing process be stressful? Yes, it can be. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s address some of the common concerns that authors have about working with editors.

Common Concerns

1. Editors are just waiting to rip my work apart and poke holes in my ideas.
2. Editors use language and rules that I don’t understand.
3. I’ll have to fight with my editor to retain my voice in my own work.

What do you notice about each of these concerns?

They suggest a very adversarial relationship between authors and editors, as if editors are just waiting to pounce with their red pens and dictionaries with the intention of shaming authors or completely destroying a project. In this scenario, authors and editors are on opposing teams, and only one side can win. With this mindset, it’s no wonder authors feel stressed about sharing their work.

It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way

Are those concerns sometimes justified? Unfortunately, yes. Not every editor is the right fit for a project or author, and that can create stress for both the author and the editor. That’s why it is so important to do your homework when it comes to choosing an editor. You’re not just looking for someone who is available and fits your budget; you need someone who has a similar mindset and priorities when it comes to editing.

I think of my clients as partners. We’re not on different teams, because we are working together toward the same goal. We want to communicate clearly. That’s always our ultimate goal, which means we’re not opposing forces and we’re not fighting each other. Yes, we have different roles. The author crafts a message, and the editor’s job is to keep the reader reading and clear away anything that may distract from the author’s message. But we are on the same side.

Before I begin working on a project, I ask my clients how much they want to know about the revisions I’ll make in their files. Do they want an explanation every time I adjust the punctuation? Or are they interested in the reason behind only the more substantial edits? Either way, I tailor my feedback to suit their preferences. Furthermore, I make sure to use plain language and give examples because my goal isn’t to show off fancy editing terminology. Remember, the goal is to communicate clearly, and for me, that includes communicating with my clients. We discuss expectations and time lines up front, remain in contact during the project, and review the final product to address any questions.

Takeaways

Editors and authors don’t have to be opposing forces. When you work with me, we’re on the same side, with the same goal. Communicating clearly is always the most important priority. If working with an editor who treats you like a partner interests you, contact me. I’d love to learn more about your project and see how we can work together to make your writing bulletproof.