Claire Wingfield Editorial and Literary Consultancy

 Do editors change your book?

As a professional editor, my first instinct is to answer that of course editors change a book. That’s exactly what I’m doing each day at my desk, working on a conveyor belt of manuscripts.

However, on reflection I think the frequency of the query reflects an anxiety authors may have at working with an editor – the real question being, will an editor change my book too much?

There’s something to unpack here. Firstly, it’s to remember that whilst an editor can suggest, persuade, cajole an author to make an editorial change in their work, ultimately you the author should have the power of the final say. Authors with a new publishing contract may be nervous to wield this power – and even authors publishing independently may be loath to contradict their editor, but the truth is the book is yours. This can be a reason more established authors, having sold a lot of books and being much more likely to be assertive in the publishing process, occasionally have books that appear to be more sloppily edited than their earlier publications. They may have simply stopped listening to their editorial staff – or have turned the volume down!

If you’re a new author working with a publishing house or literary agent, you will be in the process of establishing your working relationships and of course you would not want to ignore all editorial suggestion. However, it’s okay to have a dialogue about any changes you disagree with. That respectful conversation is important and most often a solution will be found that both author and editor are happy with. The publisher or literary agent chose to work with you because they believe in you and your writing, so do trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel true to your authorial intention. (But use this wisely by not questioning every editorial amendment. If you feel truly despondent about an edit, take a few days to ‘sit’ with the suggestion, reading the revisions in their own light rather than in comparison to the original draft your ego may be feeling overly attached to.) 

I’ve written about how I feel when an author disagrees with my edits in first time working with an editor? Here’s how to get the most from the experience. (Clue: as long as the author is prompted to consider the issue closely, I’m never offended if some of my editorial suggestion is not implemented.)

However, an editor brings both a fresh eye to your work and their professional experience working in the publishing industry – and publishing a book works best as a collaborative experience. An editor will seek out what is distinct in your work and help you to enhance it. This may be by stripping back weaker material so your strongest can shine. It will certainly include finding any inconsistencies or unintentional repetition in your work. 

Editors must question their own bias and avoid suggesting change for the sake of change. Fundamentals such as narrative structure and authorial voice may be interrogated during the development process but ultimately a good editor will take care to change a manuscript just enough, helping you to refine your voice and enhance your manuscript – rather than to the point that the author feels the book is no longer theirs or no longer aligns with their values and intentions. It’s a fine line to tread and the best author-editor relationships evolve over time.