Don't Fear the Reaper... errrrr... Editor

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Editors might be right up there with IRS agents, dentists and proctologists on the list of people you’d rather not see… ever. They have a reputation (not entirely undeserved, let’s be honest) for being ill-tempered perfectionists whose only joy in life is making writers feel inadequate. However, if your goal is to produce clear, concise, compelling copy, the editor can very well be your most valuable ally.

“I’m not sure,” you say, “Valuable ally? I get more of an archenemy vibe.” Yes, sometimes the writer/editor relationship can start to feel that way. And it’s hard to know where the train left the tracks. The writer produces subpar work… the editor delivers a harsh critique… the writer expects a flood of red ink on the next project and consequently puts minimal effort into the draft… the editor is even more frustrated. And so it goes, ad infinitum.

But, fear not, wilting wordsmith! There are ways to get this important relationship back on the rails.

  • Seek input early. Most editors are happy to provide feedback even before your first draft is complete. Showing that you are open to input will earn you some points. And a wise editor will reciprocate by inviting more commentary on their edits.

  • Go for good. Writers who know their work will be reviewed by an editor often spend too much time trying to craft the perfect prose. Be sure that you deliver a draft that articulates your key points, flows well and is free of typos and grammatical errors, but don’t don’t stress out over every syllable. No matter how well you write a piece, an editor is likely to suggest changes. It’s what they do. Accepting that fact will lower your stress level and depressurize the relationship in general.

  • Share your thought process. While editors have a way with words, they aren’t always experts on the material they are reviewing. Giving them some background on why you wrote your piece the way you did can help ensure you are on the same page.

  • Give, and then take. You are entitled to push back a bit on an editor’s changes to your work, if only to help you understand why they were made. But in the end, it’s best to trust the editor’s judgement - partly because of their skill and experience, and partly because, well, cleaning up your writing is something they’ve been authorized to do.

So, with a little effort, your interaction with an editor can be more collaboration than confrontation. When you go into a project with that attitude, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.