So, you finally have that contract in your hand. You’ve told your husband, your mother, and even the woman in line behind you in the grocery store, who wouldn’t know you from Adam I know, I’ve been there myself. It’s an exciting time.

Your book is going to be published! Maybe it’s your first book. Maybe it’s your tenth. Either way, it’s a fabulous feeling. Until you receive those first round of edits.

Suddenly, your manuscript—the one your editor swore she adored—is filled with more markups than the red-marked sale tags at a store closing sale. Your heart drops. Was your manuscript really in need of that much help?

This is a tough moment. Your words, your baby, has been critiqued and edited. It may be light, or it may have needed more work than you anticipated. No matter what, it’s a difficult pill to swallow.

As an editor for two small presses, the first thing I would advise is to just go through the edits once, and then set it aside for a day. You need time to let it sink in, and to think about what your editor had to say objectively. Keep an open mind as much as possible.

Your editor is trying to make your manuscript shine. She’s trying to polish it, not change the essence of it. And though your first instinct might be to fight the changes she’s asking for, I suggest trusting your editor. Give them a chance. Does this mean you shouldn’t question things you don’t agree with? By no means. Your name is going to be on this work. It’s your reputation on the line.

But also consider it is the editor and publisher’s reputation as well.

Do editors make mistakes? Of course, we are human. But generally, many disagreements can be cleared up by honest communication and keeping an open mind. In order for this relationship to work, it must be a partnership.

Go over your edits with as much objectivity as you can muster and take what you can from them.

Your editor should always be there to help and keep the lines of communication open.

Go ahead and ask questions. That’s what we’re here for. If you find you aren’t getting the response you need or your questions are not getting answered after repeated attempts to contact them, feel free to go above their head. This is a last resort, of course. You don’t want to offend anyone unnecessarily.

But finding that true match of author and editor is a wonderful thing. And together you can make your work sparkle.

Renee

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Renee Knowles writes contemporary and historical romance. Her work has been called "brilliant" by Two Lips Reviews and her Regency novella, Courting Trouble, was nominated for Novella of the Year by Long and Short Reviews.

Renee is also an editor for two small publishers and her freelance work has appeared in national consumer and trade publications, as well as newspapers. She offers critique and editing services and is now accepting new clients. Contact Renee through her website at www.reneeknowles.com.