QUOTE OF THE WEEK - Nov 8

November 8, 2009 4:49 PM

Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor

“Editing should be, especially in the case of old writers, a counseling rather than a collaborating task. The tendency of the writer-editor to collaborate is natural, but he should say to himself, ''How can I help this writer to say it better in his own style?'' and avoid ''How can I show him how I would write it, if it were my piece?''”

- James Thurber (American Writer, 1894 – 1961)

My opinion:

I agree with James Thurber. I would say it is the case for any writer – not just the older ones. It is not my job to change your manuscript to suit my opinion.

My editing style is to suggest changes – noting that I did not understand a particular section, thus believing the end reader may not understand it as well. I will then suggest a rewrite for what I think the writer intends.

He/she then has the capacity to say “Yeah” or “Nay.” However, by offering my point of view – the writer can reread what was written with more subjective eyes to see how the original passage was interpreted differently than he/she intended.

Inserting these types of comments and suggestions takes more time – I believe, it is time well spent to make the piece as honest to the writer’s voice as possible. I may add personal opinions on the topic, but these comments are prefaced by “Aside:” to denote these are not part of the edit.

LAFletcher@wingedhorseenterprises.com

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