That all said, I wish that someone had prepared me for the first time I was edited. I got my text back and thought, shit what the hell happened to my writing? I felt like someone had taken my body and chopped off a few limbs. Since then I've come to realize that my goals as a writer aren't necessarily the same as the goals of my copy editor. This isn't a bad thing, just a process of learning. An exercise in learning to be humble and accept criticism. And when it comes right down to it, none of us like to be criticized, right? I can honestly say that I probably didn't handle that first editing process well. In fact, I'll just say it -- I sucked at being edited, and I apologize to that unknown and unnamed copy editor. There really is a reason that they keep copy editors and writers separate from each other.
Now that I have a few editing phases under my belt, this one is much easier. Which only means that as I read the edits and cringe, I also understand that in the end it will be worth it. Getting to that end is still hard, though. So what can I tell you about editing? I'm not sure, but I'll try. Here's my advice for getting through the editing process without losing your mind or your editor:
- Your editor is your friend. No matter what you may see in the revisions, never forget this. No matter what you see or think, do not, I repeat, DO NOT pick up the phone or e-mail your editor immediately. When you feel like contacting her (or him) wait, and then wait a bit longer. Take a break, take a walk, take a drink, or do whatever you have to do to calm down and think it through.
- Remember that editing is necessary. Say it out loud -- Editing is necessary! It's tough and it hurts, but it does serve a necessary purpose. If you don't believe me, try reading a self-published book that has not gone through an external editing process. Trust me, you'll see the difference.
- Pick your battles, carefully. Before you contact your editor determine what is important to you. For example, when I write I strive to achieve a conversational tone that is accessible to a wide audience. My friend Dave, however, insists that his writing sound authoritative. His focus is on maintaining the academic legitimacy of his work. Even though this means that only a specialized audience can read (or wants to read) his work, it doesn't matter. If an editor changes his work into something more conversational he blows a proverbial gasket. It's ugly, trust me.
- Understand that just because you really love something doesn't mean that it's good. In fact, very often, the more you love something it seems like the more likely it needs to be edited.
- Don't take it personally. When we write, we often become personally invested in what we produce. For writing, this is a good thing. For editing, it can be a problem. Remember that when suggestions are presented, they are directed at the text, not at you personally. It's hard, but you have to find a way to separate yourself from the text.
