- If an editor treats authors respectfully, authors will return the favor.
- Authors accept edits more willingly from an editor who explains the reasoning behind changes than from one who doesn’t.
- Clients and authors always appreciate clear, straightforward, timely communication with an editor.
- Misunderstandings can occur when there are language barriers, so both author and editor must assume good intentions on the part of the other as they work at communicating.
- It’s important to respect boundaries. Authors are the subject-matter experts; the editor is the expert on grammar, syntax, overall flow, and the need for additional details.
- No matter how experienced, an editor can always learn new things. I learn something new from each manuscript I edit and each client and author I work with.
Books and journals may eventually stop appearing in paper form and be available only onscreen, but success in publishing will always require attention to the human beings involved.
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