Editors Are Not Trying to Hurt You

Summary

The article emphasizes that editors are not adversaries but collaborators who aim to improve a writer's work for publication, and writers should embrace this process for their growth.

Abstract

The article "Editors Are Not Trying to Hurt You" addresses common writerly anxieties about receiving editorial feedback. It suggests that writers should not view editors as antagonists but as professionals who want to polish the story for publication. When writers receive edits, they should not take them personally but rather as an opportunity to enhance their writing. The article encourages writers to appreciate constructive criticism, apply suggested changes, and persevere through the iterative process of writing and editing. It acknowledges that writing is a craft that requires a thick skin and resilience, as success is not guaranteed nor permanent. The piece concludes by reminding writers that criticism is a sign of engagement with their work and should be used to improve their skills rather than as a reason to become disheartened.

Opinions

Editors are generally professional and have the publication's best interest at heart, not intending to harm the writer or their work.
Writers should not be defensive about editorial feedback; instead, they should thank the editor and consider how the changes can improve their piece.
Receiving and applying criticism is part of the writing process and can lead to becoming a better writer.
Success in writing is not automatic or everlasting; it requires continuous effort and the ability to handle rejection and critique.
Writers are encouraged to have a thick skin and not take criticism personally, as sensitivity to feedback is part of being a writer.
The article suggests that those who cannot handle criticism in writing should consider another profession or hobby.
The author of the article has contributed to various publications and has written poetry and books, indicating personal experience with the subject matter.

They are not the big bad

You’ve done it. You finished that one article that you have been spending a long time on. But it was because of the work, not for lack of skill. You give it another read, then you submit it.

Writing is important to you. I get it. It’s important to me, too.

You get an email back, and it is not the one you were expecting. It has come back with notes. ‘But why?’ you think. ‘I spent a lot of time researching and I even proofread it.’

What do you do?

Lower Your Defenses

The editor is not attacking your article, and especially not you. Most of the time, they just want the story done so they can get it published. If someone is editing your work, know that they are most likely professional and know their stuff.

Unless they flat out insult you or yell at you, they probably did not intend the criticism you heard.

Persevere

Any successful writer will tell you that success is not immediate, nor is it forever.

It is not owed to you.

Like any job, you need to keep at it. Practice. Practice. Practice. The more criticism you hear means the more you have put your work out there and the easier it will get to take criticism.

Writers are sensitive. If we weren’t at least sensitive to what our readers want, then we wouldn’t be writers. All that said, don’t take it personally. If you do, find a different profession or hobby.

Reference:

My fiction can be found on Vocal: Vulture Writer

Poetry:

Editors Are Not Trying to Hurt You

They are not the big bad

Lower Your Defenses

Own it

Persevere

What It Means to Have a Thick Skin as an Author

The silver linings of rejections and critiques