In today's Editorial Elevenses, I discussed myths about editors. If you missed the live broadcast, you can catch the replay here.
The myths I addressed are:
1. An editor will change my voice.
2. An editor will steal my idea.
3. Editors hate writers.
4. Good writers don't need an editor.
5. Editors make changes simply to justify their existence.
6. Anyone can be an editor.
7. Editors are "soul-sucking leeches."
None of these are true. Editors are your companions in the publishing process. We're here to help, not hinder. As I said in the video, editors depend on maintaining a good reputation in order to get more work. If we steal ideas or are unprofessional, we won't get work. Simple as that.
Honestly, I'm baffled as to why some writers have an adversarial attitude toward editors. We love books and words and language. We're excited to help writers bring their ideas to fruition. We never seize ownership of the work away from the author. An editor has a hand in making a work a success, but in the end it is the author's words and ideas that are key to that success.
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