Thank you and welcome to Kimberly Klemm ( http://www.kimberlymckenzie.com )!
I have worked in the Technical Writing industry for eight plus years as both a contributing writer and a Senior editor. The relationship between writers and editors can be likened unto a romance, a terminal illness, and a business partnership. Writers and editors can be both friends and foes, and usually everyone is happy if a satisfying product is produced. From my own experience there are a few tips for both writers and editors that can assist the process of producing written works and that may help keep the metaphorical daggers off of the table.
Writers:
When working with editors:
- Always send your best version of a “clean” copy.
- Draft, draft, and revise BEFORE the editor sees your work.
- DO NOT take edits personally.
- Refuse edits you do not agree with, sometimes you will be correct.
- Negotiate your refusals; DO NOT dictate.
- Show appreciation for those who increase the value of your work.
When working with writers:
- Remember you are working with a writer and not just copy on the pages.
- ADMIT to occasionally making a mistake.
- STAND YOUR GROUND; you are an authority.
- Never re-write work that belongs to another writer (unless asked and agreed to).
- CHECK YOUR FACTS.
- Edit more than once.
These are just some of the tips that, put into practice, can ease the strain between creating and crafting. Wearing both the writer’s hat and the editor’s eraser, I have come to respect both roles as necessary together for truly top-notch writing.
Related articles
- Misconceptions about Editors (maasmith.com)
- The Truth About Editors (alainamabaso.com)
- The Necessary Humbling of Editing (sdsouthard.com)
Thirteen Cents Short 