The Writer-Editor Relationship: Do This, Not That

Before editors were editors, we had our own takes on writing shaped by authors we admire, style guides we’ve learned, and feedback we’ve received. Many of us have certifications for editing (that we renew on a regular basis) and develop our skills through webinars or professional development of other kinds. What a lot of writers don’t realize is that we also talk to each other.

We advise on best practices, talk about building our businesses, and we bounce suggestions off of each other. Mainly, we talk about how we give different types of feedback. 

Our guest writer and I discussed this at length, and it’s a subject that we’re going to revisit. They told me about how, in grade school, they were told to fix things and where the thing to be fixed was. However, they were often lost as to how to fix it. We weren’t sure whether, in hindsight, the teacher didn’t quite know how to explain what needed fixing or whether this was a thought exercise. Regardless, this wasn’t an experience either of us cared to repeat. 

Let’s get into some common scenarios involving feedback. Note that this is solely from the perspective of Purposeful Prose. I cannot speak for all editors. 

What Goes Into an Editor’s Decision to Change Something?

First of all, an editor’s decision isn’t final. The writer might end up disagreeing with a change made. Maybe an editor’s change compromises the writer’s voice or, simply, doesn’t feel right. That happens! 

I always tell the writers I work with that every change I make has a five-paragraph essay’s worth of rationale attached to it, and they are more than welcome to have that essay if they want it. While I try to explain enough to help writers understand larger concerns I might have about a section or to reason out different suggestions for a complicated fix, I never want to talk down to the writer I’m working with. 

Consequently, there will likely be some changes made that I don’t explain immediately. If an explanation is asked for, though, I will always give it! 

Let’s look at one of the comments I left on a sentence from our guest writer:

“While true, for the purposes of this, double-check as to whether you need this language.” 

This is a simpler comment, but it gives an idea of how I handle some changes. Basically, I agreed with the essence of what the writer was saying, but I was unsure whether the sentence was still a necessary part of the paragraph. The comment was meant to open up a conversation. I wanted to know why the writer wanted to keep the sentence or if the writer was unsure about it, and if so, why. 

If an editor makes a change that’s difficult to understand, ask! If you want my essay’s worth of rationale, I will be happy to give it. Sometimes, editors will intentionally open up conversation. This process is all a part of helping you make you feel like you’re putting forth the best part of yourself.

Does an Editor Ever Not Know How to Change Something?

Probably more than you’d suspect! Have you ever read something that feels wrong to you, looks grammatically correct, but the meaning is lost on you or the wording is a little clunky? 

The instinct for what we want to change or that something needs to be changed is there, but it’s hard to know what to do. 

Here’s how I handle it! Before making a comment on these, I usually pause to do some research in style guides or other reference material. 

I’ll usually ask something along the lines of: “I’m unsure of what you meant to convey here. This is what I think you meant to say, but here’s how it comes across.” Maybe, on the other hand: “I’m a little uncertain about this statement. It feels like we could simplify/add something to clarify your meaning. Let’s revisit this!”

Editors are humans, and no matter how well we understand our fields, there will always be more to learn. We’re your collaborators, and we’re in this with you, so let’s do that learning together.

My Document Has More Comments and Suggestions Than I Expected. Is My Editor Mad at Me?

You are fine! If there’s something you can work on in terms of writing, your editor can help you out. Chances are, your editor values your work and wants it to be the best that it can be. Editors go that extra mile to make sure that you’re seeing the best version of yourself reflected through what you’ve written. 

Also, you don’t need to change everything just because you had more comments than you thought you’d have. If you feel nervous about the edits your editor gave, send out a message and let them know! Communication usually wins the day.

Have you ever had a question for your editor you were too nervous to ask? Chances are, you aren’t the only one! Contact us with your questions about writing, and we’d be happy to help you out.