Author-Editor Relations Rules of Thumb
Here are some basic rules of thumb for authors for managing their working relationships with editors.1. Respect the editor’s recommendations, as he or she understands the textbook publishing business. For every editorial request, however grand or trivial, normally there is a reason relating to publishing needs and realities. The first rule of thumb, therefore, is never to ignore an editorial request. Good editors hesitate to confound authors routinely with the many technical details of publishing needs, but they will gladly explain reasons or argue a case. It is the editor’s job to anticipate and address your questions and concerns--you need only ask.
2. The second rule of thumb is to carefully establish the boundaries and ground rules for your working relationship early on in a positive manner, starting with mutual appreciation for the many personal and professional sacrifices both author and editor may make in creating a textbook. Ask the editor precisely what his or her role on the project will be and what will be expected of you. Establish when and how your communications will take place.
3. The third rule of thumb is not to complain to the publisher about your editor without confronting the editor directly first, because publishing houses, like academic departments, are political working environments. That is, if you have a grievance about the way things are going, the editor has a right to know about it directly first and to have an opportunity to amend the process. Smart editors ask their authors for feedback on their work to ensure mutual satisfaction with the manner in which it is done.
4. This isn't exactly a rule, but it is a good idea to be aware of and sensitive to the coded speech that editors tend to use. The code varies from company to company and from editor to editor, but there are some common threads, especially a tendency to make polite understatements. An editor's query on manuscript saying "Cite?" actually may mean that you are in violation of copyright. Other examples of coded speech: Bring to market level = not good enough yet; if at all possible = mandatory or could affect sales; watch voice = eliminate bad voice; not clear = rewrite. There are more, and if editors are reading these posts, I'd love to hear their examples.
All for now. More soon. All the best,
Mary Ellen
Labels: author-editor relations
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