2023 / 06 - THE FEEDBACK TRIAGE SERIES - THE ROLE OF THE EDITOR

“Do you think an editor is useful? If you’re good, do you even think they’re needed?”

How about this? - “Editors just mess up my perfect manuscript!”

Both statements seem to gravitate to this point - Editors are an uncomfortable necessity in the publishing process.

In this issue, we enter the second (2nd) part of the feedback triage mini-series - The role of the editor, what it truly is, and the importance of the editor in the publishing process.

First things first - show of hands, who here thinks that once a manuscript is accepted (agent / publisher), all they need to do is to send the piece through spell and grammar check and all will be done and dusted?

Yes, okay, I see all your hands.

Keep them up there if you feel that this should be the case?

And I see many hands still up in the air.

While it is not a huge problem to have this initial view on editing (spelling and grammar still count for a lot), sticking to this mindset can block out many future opportunities. Whether it could be out of fear or pride.

Here’s the thing -

Good editors are here to uplift your work, to make your work the best it can be through YOUR voice (as an author).

Your work is going to be edited regardless, so why not make the process easier, especially when your mindset and process is within your control?

How can you start putting these steps in place?

First, understand your boundaries - what are parts of your manuscript that are non-negotiables? And no, ‘everything is important and cannot be changed’ is not an acceptable answer.

When we’re talking boundaries, we can look at a few things:

• Turning Points - what are important milestones that justify a major change in your characters / plot / environment?

• Communication / Tone - For me, “tough love” is only so if the receiving party understands, accepts, and is aware of it fully. Otherwise, it’s just an excuse for one party to be “brutal”, in private, public, or a combination. As a writer, you are not instructing someone nor are you being instructed - This is meant to be an equal collaboration.

• Administration - Timeframes, funding, contracts, copyright etc…

There are definitely a lot more factors but these are just some of the major considerations. Again, communication with your editor once you get to work with one is important.

Second, learn the difference between development and copy / line edits. Here’s a quick guide to help:

And yes, developmental editors tend to cost more and require more collaboration. In the end, it’s all about making the book yours and yours in the best way possible.

Thirdly, you may still say that these are factors that you have already considered while revising your manuscript. So why are editors still needed in the process, especially if you are confident about the quality of your writing?

Simple -

Doctors need prognosis from other doctors. Game designers need quality testers. Businesses need client feedback.

As the creators of our own work, we come with blinders.

And that’s when a good editor, beta reader, and proofreader comes in.

Mindset Considerations

Knowing what to do to smoothen your communication and collaboration with an editor is one thing. Having the mindset to enter into this collaboration with minimal discomfort, bitterness, or blame is another.

Here are a few considerations for a greater working relationship with your editor:

• There is no “I win, you lose” situation with editors, whether they’re independent or with a publisher. Remember, YOU want your book to get published. The publisher wants your book to get published.

If the relationship with your editor is strained because they are either crossing a line you’ve established earlier or if you refuse to take their suggestions into consideration because “the story is mine and nothing can be changed or questioned”, you’re going to have a problem. Either way, the book does not get made or progress. Everyone loses.

• You may not find an editor that vibes with you the first round, but keep at it. There are a few ways to look at it - going into the process with an open and curious mind is one way to do it.

At the same time, having a list of boundaries in your collaboration with the editor will help you immensely. Communicate this at the start of your relationship, and listen to your editor’s side so that you’re aware of how they work.

And if there comes to a point where you realise there’s nothing else to be gained from working with this editor, you can, at least, sit peacefully in the knowledge that the above boundaries and communication lines have been set.

• Maybe this is not “revising” your manuscript - it’s just another opportunity for you to get to know your characters, world, and story in general. Almost every artist I’ve met has problems talking about their work or themselves. A common complaint sounds like - “Why can’t my work just speak for itself?” 

To which, I would also ask - Can you then, say that you know your work, confidently?

Sometimes, the thought of pulling your work apart and putting it back together again can bring dread. You’ve worked so hard to put this manuscript together and you want to tear it apart again?

However, if you can shift your perspective from “necessary evil” to “opportunity to better know your characters”, you can move from dread to curiosity, to maybe even wonder.

Before I leave you with definitions, here’s a quote that I got from one of my first editors - it sounded intense back then, especially after my first major rejection, but it makes a lot of sense -

“I’d rather someone tear your manuscript apart so that it can come back better than publish it because you’re so “passionate” and have readers hate on your work or on you because it wasn’t polished enough.”

So why not give it a try?

Definitions:

• Developmental Edit: A section of manuscript revision or editing that focusses on the readability, plot, character, motivations, and/or general flow of the manuscript. If there’s something missing in the book, this is where you will likely find out.

• Line / Copy Edit: A section of manuscript revision or editing that focusses on the appearance (formatting), language (grammar & punctuation), and typos.

• Editor(s): An individual or a team of individuals who are in the publishing process to elevate a manuscript to a “publishable” standard, in the voice of the author. This role can be independent, as an agent, or as part of a publisher.  

What Can I Do As a Writer?:

For this issue, mindset considerations have already spelt out the needed steps for you to consider when you start working with an editor. Or even when you approach the stage of editing.

To keep things simple, here are the steps in TL;DR form:

1. Understand that editors are here to help.

2. List your boundaries and communication expectations - this is a collaboration, not a hierarchy.

3. Be open to learning about your work and story as much as possible - perhaps looking at editing as an opportunity to get to know your work can help shift perspective.

I hope you will be able to glean something helpful from my reflections moving forward as well!

Thank You!

And that’s it from me this round! If you like what you’re seeing, have any questions about publishing that you would like me to look at, or just want to say hi, do drop me a comment or send me a message. I would definitely like to hear from you.

Keep the pages turning!