Get to Know Your Editor

If someone is pulling out the red
pen for you, get to know your
editor. Photo | EKHumphrey

I've been fortunate as an editor that I have a number of repeat clients. Authors who are writing or planning their second or third book in a series and want to hire me to edit for them. I'm flattered and thrilled when that happens. It's a win-win for everyone because it provides consistency for the writer and the editor, which can strengthen series.

I started wondering how a writer will decide to come back to the same editor. In the first go-round, the clients who I've gotten to know better than the others are the ones who return. They also appreciate or understand my editing style. I think there are at least three major ways you can get to know your editor and re-hire them:

Don't haggle over money. You just finished your book. Not a walk in the park, was it? Editing can be intense as well. Your editor will live with your manuscript longer than most of your readers. Believe, if they have the credentials, they are worth the money. I'm not saying that you should pay anything asked, but if you think the rate is too much, ask for a lighter edit, which should save you some money. If your editor has shown his/her worth and you've returned to them, consider their worth to your work.

Talk to your editor. One of my favorite clients asked to speak with me. Sure, we emailed back and forth fine, but he wanted to speak to me. We set up a time and spoke via Skype. He asked about what I liked to write and read. He got to know me better as an editor so that I wasn't just a distant email. I was a person he could trust with his writing. In fact, I think I should request more regular calls with him as I continue with his projects. Just to keep in touch and put a voice to his words.

Tell your editor what you want. A friend recommended me to a woman who wanted an editor. But she didn't want someone to mess with her story. Her story was important to her and she let me know about it. She was new to writing and it was important for me to know her comfort level. Other clients haven't taken the time to understand the different levels of editing an editor can provide. Or if an editor is different from a proofreader. Start the discussion about how you want your work to be shaped. You know how you want it done--just let the editor know about it.

Talking to the editor and understanding the editor's voice and vision can be useful in determining how to work together. At the end of the day, your name is on the manuscript, but, as your editor, I take pride in the work I've done on your manuscript. I feel like I'm a part of your team. Isn't that the kind of long-term literary relationship you want?

Elizabeth King Humphrey is a writer and editor living in North Carolina. She's just getting geared up for the holiday season and wondering about great gifts for writers...and editors.

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2 comments book editing, editing, editing fiction, editing services, editor relationships, Elizabeth King Humphrey, manuscript editing

Friday Speak Out!: How to Maintain a Professional Rapport with Editors, Guest Post by Clara Freeman

Recently, I spoke with an editor of a lifestyle and entertainment magazine I’d done work with several years ago. I looked the editor's publication up beforehand, to refresh my memory about their guidelines, and to get a feel for what new trends the magazine was incorporating since I’d last visited their publication.

Confident that my work as a motivational columnist was a step up from the published article in the entertainment section from days of old, I decided to reconnect with the editor and pitch a new idea for the premiere issue of the magazine. Needless to say, the interchange went well. It was agreed that I would pen a “motivational moment” column for the magazine for which I would be compensated.

When the contract arrived, however, there was one slight eye-opener that I hadn’t bargained on. The editor selected the title for my agreed upon column, from which I was expected to write the article! I was dumbfounded to say the least and a bit disappointed. But, I signed on the dotted line and produced the column with the magazine’s headline.

In the end, the transaction with the editor went off without another hitch. I was paid for my work and asked to contribute to the magazine on a regular basis. In declining the offer (in lieu of paying markets) I asked that the editor to consider spreading the word about my expertise in the personal development and empowerment genre, to which she readily agreed.

The few nuggets of magazine etiquette I’ve learned over the course of several years of writing for magazines could fill a very small hole, but, they are valuable pieces of gold that’s worth it to any writer trying to break into the print magazine market.

Do the research. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written for the magazine before. Times change and magazines change along with the times. Here are a few other facts to consider when making your pitch to magazine editors:

1. Make sure your pitch stands out by answering the editor’s question of “What’s in it for me?” In other words, what’s the take away value that will guarantee the editor’s satisfaction and outshine your competitors who are vying for the same gig?

2. Maintain a polite and professional attitude.

3. Be open to suggestions and don’t quibble about the magazine’s intent for your piece. I admit I had several titles to choose from for my article, but, accepted the magazine’s title which complimented their vision. My column title remained intact, so the article’s title wasn’t something to make a big deal about.

4. End the experience on a positive note and offer to write for the magazine again. Also spread the word about the positive treatment you received from the editor and always address them by their names!

5. Continue to write and hone your skills as an expert in the areas of your interest and don’t be afraid to approach editors with your article suggestions that will help make their magazine sparkle. And, if you do get rejected? No worries, just hit them up again the following year with an even better pitch.

* * *

Clara Freeman is a freelance writer, motivational author and coach. A former nurse, certified in leadership and coaching, she parlayed a longtime nursing career into a business brand for women empowerment, where she serves as advocate and mentor to women on the path to living authentic lives. Her articles have been published in numerous magazines, including Costco Magazine, Working Nurse Magazine, and Women in Business 101 Magazine and Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine.

To learn more about Clara’s work, visit her website at http://authentic-woman.net . You can also download a copy of her popular eBook, “My Life toward Authenticity-My Authentic Woman Story. 

Follow Clara on Twitter @ C50something.
Facebook - clara.freeman.904@facebook.com

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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

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8 comments Clara Freeman, editor relationships, freelance writing for magazines, Friday Speak Out

The Diva Dilemma

Write a book, hook an agent, land a contract. Next step: seeing your novel move from print to the silver screen. You know your book is a Hollywood match made in heaven.


Many new (and even some established) writers need to remember that once an agent signs you and your novel, those stars in your eyes may not come from the flash of the paparazzi. Those sparkly lights may come from a swift knock to the head - a wake-up dose of reality - from your agent or editor.

So, drama queens, you must learn how to navigate the publishing world without causing a scene. Editors and agents would much prefer that you stick to writing one. :)

Want to avoid coming off as a needy, clingy, difficult,it's-all-about-me, it's-my-novel-and-I'll-avoid-change author? Follow these guiding lights and create an engaging relationship with those who can take you to the stars: agents and editors.

1. Meet deadlines. Editors and agents establish target dates for a reason. When writers miss deadlines, trust erodes in the relationships you're attempting to establish. If you know you're going to miss the cut-off date, let your editor and agent know prior to the actual deadline. Usually, a plan can be worked out, but silence, in this case, is not golden. It shows you may be difficult to work with.
2. Make it personal. Has your editor given you stellar ideas that improve your writing? Tell her thank you. A handwritten note goes a long way and lets your editor know that you appreciate her time and opinion.
3. Maintain professionalism. Sometimes, authors are so anxious to see their ideas printed in any form that they forget that the road to publication features several distinct stops, a.k.a. the agent's trash can and the editor's desk. Don't hound or make outrageous demands. Trust your agent. Listen to your editor. Chances are, they've been involved in the game for quite a while. And if you do have a grievance, follow the chain of command.
4. Meet other writers. Network, network, network. Join a critique group, especially one that is brutally honest about your work. They will question and make you consider 'why' you wrote something in a certain way. It will make your work stronger.
5. Manage modesty. Writing is hard work! Once you accept the professional advice available to you, your labor of intense work and love will be printed. But it's important to remember that writing isn't about you, the author; it's about the story.

Don't turn into a diva who expects an agent or editor to hand you everything on a silver platter. The final product is so satisfying when you've built a solid relationship with the professionals and written the best work possible. Then, you can let your light shine.

by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at LuAnn's Writing on the Wall or follow the discussion on Facebook.

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Leave a Comment agent relationships, editor relationships, LuAnn Schindler, meeting deadlines, networking, professionalism, thank you notes