tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324860522351083573.post5597110082852349536..comments2024-03-26T15:29:31.939+09:00Comments on on the edge of ordinary: Writers and Editors: it doesn't have to be a bad relationshipWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17882558757262419263noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324860522351083573.post-56831075120093374142013-09-27T14:29:37.114+09:002013-09-27T14:29:37.114+09:00Oh yes, Ken, I've gotten to appreciate editors...Oh yes, Ken, I've gotten to appreciate editors and don't like to submit my work to anyone without having had someone discerning look at it first. Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17882558757262419263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324860522351083573.post-14437601133914474962013-09-27T12:35:32.101+09:002013-09-27T12:35:32.101+09:00When our dog gets scruffy we put him on the back p...When our dog gets scruffy we put him on the back patio table and take to him with brush and clippers. He sits that with his nose in their air and a look of satisfaction as the electric clippers vibrate over his skin. It reminds me of how I feel when being edited.<br /><br />I suppose I have the advantage of being in the book business for almost half a century. That means I started way back when editors were rare and very professional. Before we all got into slef publishing and everyone was a nauthor. After you see what goes into making a book from beginning to end you are less inclined to be precious about your own writing. You learn to see it as raw material.<br /><br />The best editors are like those invisible elves which fix the shoes overnight. They strive to clarify what you are trying to say, rather than replace it with what they want to say. They pick up on your bad habits (like started too many sentences with: So . . .).<br /><br />It has certainly got more difficult today with, so many amateurs getting into the act. Recently I had a young person offer to look over something I was writing. She wrote to me, "If you want me to look at it, send me a email". I don't think so!<br /><br /><br />Ken Rolphhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DNREY2Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324860522351083573.post-47755306069575391882013-09-25T19:58:42.797+09:002013-09-25T19:58:42.797+09:00With my grand total of one publication, I need to ...With my grand total of one publication, I need to admit that the editing process was challenging (you do fall in love with your work) but ultimately made a much better product. <br /><br />Unfortunately it is hard to draw the fine line between critique and criticism when you have made yourself vulnerable by offering your work.David Fergusonnoreply@blogger.com