Whenever you work with an editor, here are some things to keep in mind.
Copyeditors have your readers’ best interests at heart.
The copy editor’s only objective is to make the reading of your manuscript as easy and pleasurable as possible. Read the Editors' Code of Ethics for further reassurance.
Copyediting is only one step in the editorial process.
Your manuscript should have been self-edited to the fullest extent of your ability before a copy editor sees it. You should never let anyone see a draft you’re not happy with -- certainly not your first draft! If you need help producing a draft you can be satisfied with, you should find a content editor, who addresses "big picture" issues, such as characterization, narrative arc, setting, theme, pacing, and so on. Free editorial advice is available from Ideal Type LLC.
The editor is just embarking!
The Embark Editorial Agency works primarily with newly trained copy editors. Constructive feedback can be really useful at this early stage in their professional development and we welcome it!
Edits are not criticisms.
When you’ve poured your heart into a manuscript, it can be hard to accept that it’s not perfect. But self-editing will take you only so far before you can no longer see the wood for the trees. A fresh pair of eyes can spot things you simply cannot, which is not a judgment on your writing ability.
Every edit is a learning opportunity for both writer and copyeditor.
If the reason behind an edit is unclear, ask the copyeditor to clarify. You are always free to disagree and reject the edit, but it’s often informative to understand the editor’s choices. Similarly, it's important that your editor understands the particular stylistic choices you have made. Authorial voice is an intangible quality, but the longer your relationship with an editor, the better his or her editing of your writing will become.
Copyeditors have your readers’ best interests at heart.
The copy editor’s only objective is to make the reading of your manuscript as easy and pleasurable as possible. Read the Editors' Code of Ethics for further reassurance.
Copyediting is only one step in the editorial process.
Your manuscript should have been self-edited to the fullest extent of your ability before a copy editor sees it. You should never let anyone see a draft you’re not happy with -- certainly not your first draft! If you need help producing a draft you can be satisfied with, you should find a content editor, who addresses "big picture" issues, such as characterization, narrative arc, setting, theme, pacing, and so on. Free editorial advice is available from Ideal Type LLC.
The editor is just embarking!
The Embark Editorial Agency works primarily with newly trained copy editors. Constructive feedback can be really useful at this early stage in their professional development and we welcome it!
Edits are not criticisms.
When you’ve poured your heart into a manuscript, it can be hard to accept that it’s not perfect. But self-editing will take you only so far before you can no longer see the wood for the trees. A fresh pair of eyes can spot things you simply cannot, which is not a judgment on your writing ability.
Every edit is a learning opportunity for both writer and copyeditor.
If the reason behind an edit is unclear, ask the copyeditor to clarify. You are always free to disagree and reject the edit, but it’s often informative to understand the editor’s choices. Similarly, it's important that your editor understands the particular stylistic choices you have made. Authorial voice is an intangible quality, but the longer your relationship with an editor, the better his or her editing of your writing will become.