Working with your editor is perhaps one of the most important aspects of writing. Clearly you are the artist of the work, but no one knows the inner workings and needs of the publication better than the editor. The reason your piece was selected for this particular publication was that it fit the editorial needs of magazine or book publisher. It is the editor's job to know what sells, how to sell it, what looks professional and good in print. Therefore, when your editor requests changes or revisions to your work, it is very important that you understand the purpose behind the suggestions. Furthermore, it is equally important that you work closely with your editor and do the work requested promptly.
This article is intended to help you build a good working relationship with your editor, as well as answer some questions you may have about this stage in your writing. The most asked questions are:
Who is this person called "editor"?
What does the editor expect from me?
What can I expect from my editor?
Do I have a choice if changes are requested?
Who is this person called "editor"?
The job of the editor is to add the final shape and polish to your work to help it fit the appetite of their readers. The premise of your story or article already meets the subject matter needed at that time. Otherwise, a rejection slip would be in your hand instead of an acceptance letter. To make it simple, you should consider an editor to be your first all-important reader. Editors and their staff read hundreds of manuscripts a year. It is only the very few that are selected for print that receive the editor's personal attention.
From this point on, your work is a one-on-one between you and the editor. An editor is interested in two things: getting the work done on time to meet the publication dead line, and producing a quality product for her firm.
What Does the Editor Expect From Me?
Your editor expects above all a professional attitude from you. Usually by the time you have been assigned an editor, your piece has been slotted into a particular issue or catalog period. This means there is a deadline and thus little time for temperamental issues when it comes to revisions. The editor expects you to get your work ready for print and to deliver changes or revisions on time. In most instances, the editor will ask you if you mind making certain changes and give you a date when she needs the work back. It is your job as the writer to add to or subtract from your work. Most editors will refrain from do anything directly to your work. It is entirely up to you to get the work completed and back to the editor on time. Keep in mind, she has a strict deadline to meet in order to keep your story or book on schedule. Otherwise, your piece runs the risk of being bumped to another issue or catalog. Writers who understand the job of the editor and can respond to the editorial suggestions quickly, have the greatest value to that editor and are the one's who are most likely to sell her repeatedly.
What can I expect from my editor?
First, you can expect to be treated as a professional and given all the rules and requirements right up front. Your assigned editor becomes a partner in producing your work. Most are sensitive to the creative/artistic talents of your work. You will find in most cases that the editor compliments your work and offers a gentle, yet firm hand in tweaking the piece. If you have questions, there is no better person at the publication to ask. When working with magazines, very often the editor is the publisher and questions such as: how much will I be paid and when I will be paid, are answered in the beginning of the process before you get to work. For book deals it works a little different. The publisher makes the initial offer to accept your work. The business side of the deal is spelled out in a formal contract. The assigned editor usually handles only the writing details and avoids getting involved with the business details. All said and done, you can expect an editor to help you make your work the best it can be.
Do I have a choice if changes are requested?
Yes. You always have the choice to refuse the suggested changes. However, the publication also has the right to change their mind and pull the plug on printing your work. Most magazine articles are submitted on what is called, "speculation of publication". The bottom line is that they are accepting your submission expecting it to be a marketable work with as little change as possible. Keep in mind that the publication staff has already read your work when you submitted it. What they saw then was a project worth their effort. Thus, any suggestions of changes or revisions are usually what are needed to make the work fit their market and sell.
Some writers feel uncomfortable about editors wanting changes. They view it as being censored, or "selling out" to be published. Writers who have such views should consider this:
You go on a job interview with an excellent resume in hand. The business owner raves about your experience and background, but says that a white shirt and tie are required for the job. You like tee shirts and jeans. It comes down to wanting the job or not wanting the job… that is all. It is the same in the writing business. If you want to be published in Red Book, or Cosmopolitan, you just might have to put on a white shirt and tie.
Have a little faith in your editor. Remember that the only reason you have been assigned an editor is that the publisher loved your resume. You have created a wonderful work. Give your editor the respect and trust they need to MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD.