Sunday, May 15, 2011

No passion in the world is equal to the passion to alter someone else's draft.~H.G.Wells

As writers, dealing with copy editors is an everyday occurrence, but that doesn't mean its always easy. Sometimes, well-meaning criticism from an editor is enough to shake the confidence of any writer--but you can avoid damage to your writer's ego.

  • Accept that you are not perfect. We all make errors, we all have bad days and no one produces their best work every day. Accept that as part of your role as a writer.
  • Don't take it personally. Editors respond to the written word, offering advice and guidance to improve your craft. Resist the urge to take it personally.
  • Realize that however harsh the criticism may be, it's just the opinion of one person. 
  • Walk away if edits seem difficult. Time and space have a way of lessening the sting of overly harsh editing. 
  • Find humor in the situation. Go ahead. Laugh at your mistakes. Poke fun at your funky editor--although I don't recommend sharing your new found humor with the editor. 
More quotes about writers and their perilous relationship with editors.
If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.  ~Toni Morrison. Find more quotes about writers and their perilous relationship with editors.

2 comments:

mooderino said...

I think it's one of those things where people who are feeling sensitive are going to feel the burn no matter how much they tell themselves it's just an opinion. The only way to toughen up the skin is to take a beating and keep going. You can't stop if from hurting.

mood
Moody Writing

nutschell said...

great quote. puts things in perspective for sure. Editors are human beings too.:)
nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com