8 Ways to Get Along with Your Editor
Every writer has heard horror stories about evil editors who relish tormenting hard working writers.
While there are some editors who are like this, the majority are hard working people who just want to find the best works to put in their publications.
The way you treat an editor will dictate your working relationship.
If you treat your editor lousy, missing deadlines, and being rude all the time will only make your relationship end very quickly.
Likewise, treating your editor with respect and professionalism will earn you a trusted position in his list of authors to call when he needs an assignment completed.
Treating people with respect might seem like common sense.
But many writers feel their editor is nothing more than a servant; someone who should be at their beckon call 24/7.
If you treat an editor like that you will not be working with them for very long.
What are some of the things you should keep in mind while dealing with your editor? 1.
Always treat your editor with respect.
Be professional at all times, even when you are having a disagreement with him.
2.
Keep your promises to your editor, and do not agree to take on an assignment with a deadline you know you cannot keep.
Your editor will respect you more for saying you cannot handle it than if you take the job and fail to deliver.
3.
Do not make the editor guess at what you want.
Ask for the terms you want and stand up for the things you think you should have.
But remember to do so in a respectful way.
4.
Editors are people just like everyone else.
They have problems and schedule issues and even have bad days.
Be flexible when you can and cut them a bit of slack when they are having troubles.
But if you are feeling you are not being treated fairly, then speak up.
5.
When an editor sends you a galley or proof, read it immediately and make any corrections you find.
Return it to the editor promptly, so he is not waiting on you when the deadline arrives.
6.
Work with your editor, not against him, when it comes to any edits and rewrites.
Listen to his suggestions with an open mind, and consider each one carefully before rejecting the changes.
Editors make suggestions based on readership expectations and their own experience.
Tap into that experience.
7.
Do everything you can to meet or beat your deadlines.
If a problem arises that might make you miss your deadline, be sure to tell your editor immediately.
Do not wait until it your deadline to let them know you will not be done.
8.
Show your appreciation to your editor for the extras he does to help you.
He is a partner in your writing career; thank him for going that extra mile when he does.
And return the favor by being sure to send him your best work.
Working with an editor should be a professional relationship filled with trust and respect.
To reach that level you will need to give your editor what you expect to receive from him, now and in the future.
Do this and your relationship will be a match made in writing heaven.
While there are some editors who are like this, the majority are hard working people who just want to find the best works to put in their publications.
The way you treat an editor will dictate your working relationship.
If you treat your editor lousy, missing deadlines, and being rude all the time will only make your relationship end very quickly.
Likewise, treating your editor with respect and professionalism will earn you a trusted position in his list of authors to call when he needs an assignment completed.
Treating people with respect might seem like common sense.
But many writers feel their editor is nothing more than a servant; someone who should be at their beckon call 24/7.
If you treat an editor like that you will not be working with them for very long.
What are some of the things you should keep in mind while dealing with your editor? 1.
Always treat your editor with respect.
Be professional at all times, even when you are having a disagreement with him.
2.
Keep your promises to your editor, and do not agree to take on an assignment with a deadline you know you cannot keep.
Your editor will respect you more for saying you cannot handle it than if you take the job and fail to deliver.
3.
Do not make the editor guess at what you want.
Ask for the terms you want and stand up for the things you think you should have.
But remember to do so in a respectful way.
4.
Editors are people just like everyone else.
They have problems and schedule issues and even have bad days.
Be flexible when you can and cut them a bit of slack when they are having troubles.
But if you are feeling you are not being treated fairly, then speak up.
5.
When an editor sends you a galley or proof, read it immediately and make any corrections you find.
Return it to the editor promptly, so he is not waiting on you when the deadline arrives.
6.
Work with your editor, not against him, when it comes to any edits and rewrites.
Listen to his suggestions with an open mind, and consider each one carefully before rejecting the changes.
Editors make suggestions based on readership expectations and their own experience.
Tap into that experience.
7.
Do everything you can to meet or beat your deadlines.
If a problem arises that might make you miss your deadline, be sure to tell your editor immediately.
Do not wait until it your deadline to let them know you will not be done.
8.
Show your appreciation to your editor for the extras he does to help you.
He is a partner in your writing career; thank him for going that extra mile when he does.
And return the favor by being sure to send him your best work.
Working with an editor should be a professional relationship filled with trust and respect.
To reach that level you will need to give your editor what you expect to receive from him, now and in the future.
Do this and your relationship will be a match made in writing heaven.