Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The Author-Editor Relationship


by Mindy Obenhaus

When I received my first contract with Love Inspired Books in 2013, I was so tickled to be able to use the phrase “my editor.” It meant I’d finally achieved my goal of becoming a published author.

While I’ve been with Love Inspired for eight years now, I’ve changed editors several times. I’m currently with my fourth editor, plus I’ve worked with two additional editors when my regular editor was on vacation or had some other extenuating circumstance. With each change, there was that momentary twinge of “What if she doesn’t like my writing? What if she doesn’t like me?”

Of course, my worries, while understandable, were all for naught. Yes, every editor has their own way of approaching things. Each has a different personality. One may not care for a particular turn of phrase I'm prone to using, while another never mentions it. Yet in each case, the transition turned out to be a positive experience. I’ve learned from each editor and that has grown me as a writer. How? By adhering to some basic principles. 

Be professional – Your editor is your partner. He/she has entered into a contract with you, like someone you might hire to remodel your bathroom. You are to provide the expected work to their satisfaction at the time you both agreed to, and, along the way, they will provide input in the form of revisions/edits. Yes, their requests might have you groaning or wondering why they bought your book in the first place. Still, you shove those feelings aside and get to back to work. 

Don’t argue with your editor. If you have a valid point you’d like to discuss with them, do it in a respectful manner. And don’t ever share your displeasure on social media. This should go without saying, I know, but there’s always one.
Be open – Discuss your career goals with your editor. This is particularly true if you change editors or are nearing the end of your current contract. Be sure to bring a new editor up to date on your career thus-far. Let them know how many books you’ve done with that publisher. Tell them your plans for the future. Are you already working on a proposal for a new series with them or are you looking to go in a different direction? You never want to burn any bridges. However, if you plan to stay with that publisher, your editor will be your advocate in growing your career.

Don’t make demands. Editors don’t want or need difficult people when there are many talented authors waiting in the wings.

Be flexible – This is a must no matter where you are in your writing career because things are always changing. If you find yourself having to work with a different editor, embrace the change. If your editor feels as though the second half of the book would be better done a different way, schedule a time to talk with him/her to discuss those changes, then go into the meeting with an open mind. And never forget that editors are people, too. They make mistakes and overlook things which can occasionally result in a tight deadline for you. Whenever possible, do your best to meet that deadline. Of course, the flipside of that coin is that sometimes life throws us a curveball and we find you’re not going to be able to meet a long-established deadline. If that happens, contact your editor right away and let them know the circumstances so they can work with you.

Don’t dig in your heels or set unrealistic goals/deadlines.

The author-editor relationship should be one of mutual respect and your attitude helps set the tone. By being professional, open and flexible, you’re opening the door to the possibility of a wonderful career.

Now it's your turn. What elements do you think are important to a successful author-editor relationship?

In other news, A Brother’s Promise, book two in my Bliss, Texas series, is now available! 
Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy (U.S. mailing addresses only, please). Also, I’m in the midst of a blog tour with JustReads Tours and there’s a nice prize package involved. Click here for details.


A BROTHER'S PROMISE

He didn’t realize he wanted a family… Until he suddenly became a single dad. 

After his sister’s death, rancher Mick Ashford’s determined to ensure his orphaned niece, Sadie, feels at home. And accepting guidance from Christa Slocum is his first step. But just as Christa and Sadie begin to settle into Mick’s heart, Sadie’s paternal grandparents sue for custody. Now Mick must fight to keep them together…or risk losing the makeshift family he’s come to love.

Get your copy HERE!


Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com  

33 comments:

  1. Since I haven't gotten to the point of needing an editor yet, I'll keep these tips in my back pocket until then :) And I just picked up your book yesterday and can't wait to settle in and read it! Except the weather is finally looking spring-like here, so I'm ready to get outside of the house and enjoy some sunshine and warmth!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glynis, thank you for buying my book. But don't let that sunshine and warmth go to waste. Enjoy it while you can. :)

      Delete
  2. Good morning Mindy,
    I got "broken into" working with editors in my journalism career and thought I knew it all. I found it a little different with fiction, because the fiction comes closer to my heart and from my heart. So there have been adjustments over the years. There was an issue in "Settlers' Hope" regarding a woman preaching, but when my editor explained the company's position (they don't want to offend any possible reader, including ultraconservative ones) we were able to tweak the segment and all was well. I've never been asked to fundamentally alter something in one of my books, just tweaks and "this would be better if..." I've never had to "go to the wall" for anything. So far.
    I currently work with four editors: one each for two different newspapers, one for my nonfiction history book, and one for the fiction. All are good relationships. So far.
    My best experience with a fiction editor was on my first book, "Westward Hope." I had two characters killed off because, well, that's what happens on the Oregon Trail. My editor wrote back and said she'd "fallen in love" with those two characters, and could I find a way to keep them alive? That warmed my heart as a writer, so of course I found a way to keep Ben and Samuel alive. I killed off someone else instead. Sigh.
    Mindy, it also goes back to what Ruthy says and that it is such a privilege to be able to do this. I'm still thrilled to HAVE an editor.
    Thanks for a great post. Working at home today, back later.
    Your Kaybee
    Working it all out in New Hampshire

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy, I'm glad you reiterated what Ruthy always says about it being a privilege. That alone can change our perspective. We GET to do this, not HAVE to do it. God has given us stories He wants us to share, stories no one else can tell quite like us. That's humbling. Our attitude should always reflect that.

      Delete
    2. I always reiterate Ruthy! She is very wise.
      KB

      Delete
  3. Hi Mindy! I enjoyed the words of advice. I am self-published and I have someone who proofreads and does edits...is that an editor? Anyway, we have a good relationship and she does a wonderful job. I pay very much attention to what she says because that's what I hired her for, her outlook and perspective. So far, I have made about 98% of the changes she has suggested. I do it willingly because she is seeing something that I may have taken for granted, because I already know what I'm trying to say. She is looking out for me by making sure everything is clear to my readers and I appreciate that.
    Enjoyed the post! Please enter me in the drawing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynne, things are slightly different in the self/indie publishing world in that you initiate the contract with an editor and you're paying them. That said, you still want someone you trust and have a good working relationship with (which it sounds like you have) and your attitude will set the tone for that. And you are, indeed, in the drawing.

      Delete
  4. I got to counting the other day (in a competition with Ruthy for most books published) and turns out my new release, Braced for Love, is my 65th book. NEVER in 65 books have I forgotten how thrilled I was to be contracted to publish a book. NEVER!
    I do NOT stand in conflict with my editors.
    It's been my experience that the editors are very good at what they do. If they see a problem, then it's not them that HAS a problem it's the book.
    I remember once they made a suggestion that I just couldn't do. I just didn't want to, even though they might've been right. And I said, "I can't."
    Or more correctly, I said, "I'll do it, but please don't make me."
    They didn't.
    Bethany House, my publisher has always taken the position that it's MY BOOK. They'll do whatever they can to make it the strongest book possible, but ultimately it's my book, my words. And they let me have that one thing my way.
    And their suggestions and input are always great.
    I love editors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great advice, Mary. And I've heard the same thing from my editors, that it's my book. Still, like you, I respect their opinions.

      65 books! You are one prolific writer, Mary. An inspiration, that's for sure.

      Delete
  5. AND Mindy that cover is so great. A cowboy on horseback holding a pretty little girl. OH MY GOSH! Does it get better????? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, it does not, Mary. There's just something about a rough and tumble fellow with a tender heart.

      Delete
  6. I love that my editing career blossomed because of the wonderful authors here in Seekerville. Without them, I have no idea if I'd ever have started down this path. And I've met so many wonderful people in the writing world. It is truly a blessing. Thank you, Seekerville, for jump-starting this journey for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth, they know a good thing when they see it. ;) You're professional and that's key. Thank you for all you do.

      Delete
  7. What an amazing cover this sounds like a great book please enter me in the contest for the print copy Sarah in Ohio Sarahbaby601973(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Mindy! Thank you for the advice, I would love to be entered in the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great advice, Mindy. I don't have need of an editor yet, but it is always good to have words of wisdom. I don't need your book as I already have it. It is good and someone will be lucky to win it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mindy, your words make so much sense. Especially if we want to build a career and work with one publisher long term, we need to work toward building a solid, professional relationship. Wise words here.

    And your new book sounds sooo good! I'd love to be in the draw!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jeanne. Relationships are always clutch.

      Delete
  11. I have been finishing edits this week and hadn't gotten over here to read this... now I'm so glad I did! Edits are finished and I love this, Mindy. Working well with editors is clutch.... they're in this to help us polish and refine and we all know that diamonds begin as coal... and it's a lot of pressure to bring out the sparkle in that lump of coal! :)

    Wonderful post.... wisdom.

    I love your wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ruthy. And I love what you said about diamonds beginning as coal. Great analogy.

      Delete
  12. A great post, Mindy! I totally agree with everything you said. The editors are definitely partners, there to make the book the best it can be.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Mindy:

    In what area do you feel your editor has improved your stories the most?

    Have you had an editor want to change the names of your characters?

    What has been the biggest changes, in time it takes to make the changes, you have had to make because of editor requests? (A top writer told me that once her editor wanted a character changed from a sister to a cousin. She said that required about 1/4 of the book to be rewritten. She just did it like a good tropper.)

    BTW: you sure got that ice storm down right in "A Brother's Promise". I remember hearing power lines cracking and falling to the ground, also transformers blowing up, and ice falling and shattering into a million little pieces. There is a lot of noise on an otherwise quite day during an ice storm. Sometimes the noise is like music.

    Vince

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vince, I have never had an editor want to change any names or a character's relationship. That said, I think they catch things that I might overlook or act as a buffer in terms of telling me to tone something down or to escalate it a bit more.

      You know, when I wrote that storm into A Brother's Promise, I had no idea it would literally jump off the pages of my book and land right outside my window. Less than two weeks before the book's release, no less. That was just plain crazy.

      Delete
  14. My editor is fantastic. She understands story and knows what readers--and the marketing team--want. I'm grateful for her expertise and support.

    I always smile when I see mention of your fictional town of Bliss, TX. My hubby was assigned to Fort Bliss, TX, right after we were married, and I have wonderful memories of our first home there. Fort Bliss is located in El Paso. The town sits at the foot of the Franklin Mountains and across the Rio Grande from Juarez. Have you ever been to El Paso or Fort Bliss?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debby, I have not been to El Paso, but I am aware of Ft. Bliss. Given that you were a young bride, I'm sure you have some very fond memories of that place.

      Delete
  15. I've had lovely relationships with all my editors. I think remembering that you're all on the same team, that your goal is a cracking good story that readers will enjoy, helps when different ideas are put forth for edits. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, Erica. And we sometimes have to cling to that when we feel like digging our heels in. ;)

      Delete

If you have trouble leaving a comment, please "clear your internet cache" and try again. You can find this in your browser settings under "clear history."