Editor Myths: An Editor will Ruin my Book

It’s funny how many times I’ve heard this from authors, and even from prospective clients. There is a sentiment out there that once an editor gets his or her greasy paws on your work, we’ll go and tear it to bits, right along with your confidence and any dreams you had of being a published author.

I wish!

The Fact

Instead, I’ll strive to make your book the best version of itself it could possibly be.

Editors aren’t word butchers. We’re more like word therapists. A good editor will work with you, understand the vision you have for your manuscript, how you feel about it, and where you want your work to be. Your manuscript is your baby after all, and an editor wants that baby to grow up into something you can be proud of. We also want that baby to sell!

Okay, maybe these metaphors are running out of steam.

Simply put, it’s in my best interest to stay in line with your vision. I’m here to provide you professional writing advice when required. I’m going to work with you to iron out your plot (if you’re writing fiction) or strengthen your delivery (if you’re writing non-fiction). I’m going to ensure your book is structured in a way that is both clear and concise for readers. I will point out that Lucy’s dialogue sounds the same as Nick’s, and I’ll never let your mouse-giraffe mutant hybrid from another planet speak like an Earthling from Connecticut. I’m here to catch those overused adverbs, to make sure you’re staying consistent with your hair colors and your place names, and I’m here to make damn certain that you didn’t use “effect” when you should have used “affect.”

Every big book decision will be a conversation between you and I, and guess who has the final say? You do. Always. I’m a writer too, so I understand maintaining the integrity of one’s novel. I might not agree with some of your decisions, but that doesn’t mean I’m right either. I have enough humility to recognize that. All editors should, and most do.

So, I invite you to trust your editor. If I’m your editor, well the same advice applies. I’ve been doing this for almost ten years now, and I’ve worked with authors on full rewrites. I’ve also gone through books and made only minor changes. Why the difference? Because every book is different.

However, if this is your first book and you’re searching for your first-ever editor, big changes could be suggested (but never demanded). Try to put some faith in your editor—our goal is to improve your book, and we have something you do not.

Perspective, distance, and objectivity.

These are three things in which all writers are grossly deficient. You’re too close to your work. Writers have been through their manuscript so many times that they know it too intimately. Even I know better than to edit my own work. There’s a reason my profession exists!

So, the next time you feel a stabbing fear when you think of hiring an editor, remember that we’re a partner in your success, not a detriment to it. The book is yours and will always be yours, and you always have the final say. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

—This was a part of the Editor Myth Series. For more, check out my previous posts:

Editor Myths: A Good Writer Doesn’t Need an Editor

Editor Myths: All Editors Do the Same Work