Dear Agony Editor,

I just received my second round of edits from my editor. It was full of mark-ups as well as some deleted scenes. She’s also suggesting changes that I don’t agree with. This is my first time working with an editor. The experience has left me feeling deflated and doubting her vision for my novel. How do I handle this?

Signed,

Discouraged

Dear Discouraged,

I think many writers fantasize that they’ll get editorial notes back from their editors that read, “Don’t touch anything! Every word is perfection!” But that never happens. 

I asked a senior editor for an editor’s perspective on how to handle the way you’re feeling. 

“The best advice I can offer is to sit with the mark-up for a day or two before replying,” said the editor, who asked to remain anonymous. “In that time, try to identify why you’re feeling deflated and doubting your editor’s vision. Do you feel caught off guard? Confused? Is it the tone of the comments? Is it visually overwhelming to see the mark-up on your manuscript? Pinpoint the areas where the notes were not what you expected or were different from what you had discussed. 

“Conversely, were there any areas that you found helpful? Even if you don’t agree with a suggested change, ask yourself if it’s worth looking at that aspect of the novel to see if it needs your attention. (Editors often put forward proposed cuts and editorial mark-up with the idea of pointing you to something that needs your attention, and they’ll offer a suggestion, but are rarely insistent that there’s one way to address the problem.)” 

After giving yourself some time to reflect, speak with your editor.

“Share specific thoughts on the notes,” she said. “Your editor may want to clarify or elaborate on certain things. There’s also a chance that your editor was juggling multiple deadlines and under time-pressure related to other projects (a reality for every editor), and they weren’t able to articulate their suggestions as precisely as they hoped. You could also re-start the conversation around the vision for your work by articulating your vision and asking your editor where it does or doesn’t align with theirs. 

“And lastly, a gentle reminder: the road to a finished book is not always smooth. There are moments of doubt, frustration, maybe even anger. Go easy on yourself and your editor in those moments.” 

Wise words from a professional, Discouraged. I don’t think editors always get the proper recognition they deserve. They help writers write better books. Don’t dismiss the care, time, and attention they give to your work. 

Listen to what your editor says, check that your ego isn’t getting in the way, and open yourself up to the journey.