Working with an Editor

Many new authors, and some not so new, are more than a little wary about working with an editor. Be it through a publishing house, or freelance preparing a manuscript for submission or self publishing. But there are a few things to remember.

An editor is working for either you or the publishing house. They are not working for themselves when they are assigned to a manuscript, or take a freelance contract to work with you. As such they are not there to re-write the novel in their voice. One of the things an editor shouldn't touch is the author's voice.

Editors are there to make suggestions and explain why that would help or strengthen the manuscript. They are not there to re-write the manuscript as a whole. Many use a device on word called track changes, which allow for comments to be placed on the manuscript, as well as show, clearly, where the changes are.

If the editor is working with a publishing house they will often have a certain house style they have to follow. That style varies from publishing house to publishing house, but it's worth learning that style so you know what's acceptable for that publishing house in future. You can also get a decent idea of how it's handled by reading a couple of their novels prior to submitting one to them in the first place.

When working with an editor you're often doing so via emails these days, and attachments, so it's worth remembering that the comments might not be as bad, or offensive as you think. There's little or no tone in the comments at first, but instead of jumping to conclusions, ask the editor what he or she means. They aren't here to make your life a misery, but help you prepare for publishing.

There will be occasions when you and the editor cannot agree. Now in a situation where you've hired them to work directly with you I strongly advise going over the ground rules before offering the editor a contract. What is expected, what type of editing your looking for, and work out communication issues first. There's no point you hiring someone who you can't actually communicate with.

In the case of an editor you're working with in a publishing house, try to remain polite. Ask questions. Keep light and easily approachable. If things are still not comfortable explain that you still want to work on the book being edited but there are a few issues and you believe that you and the editor need to discuss it with her supervisor, or the editor in chief, or the author liaison. It might be a clash of ideals, style, or communication. There might be times when you have to make a choice. Go through with the edits, or ask to be released from the contract, but this should be a last choice, one you make only if you truly cannot live with the edits and have no desire to work with that publishing house again.

Weigh up your choices.

Stay calm.

Keep polite.

Talk things through.

Working with an editor shouldn't be a nightmare, and it's good to remember that with some publishing houses you'll go through 2-3 waves of editing. There's no point in making the editing any harder than it has to be.