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Editors are scary. Not only do they have the power to crush your dreams with a “not interested” but they also have the magical power of telling us everything we’ve ever done wrong in life. Okay, maybe not everything. Still, it’s easy to be intimidated to the point of petrification when we have the opportunity to get our work in front of them.
To ease our panic, I’ve asked Kregel Publications Acquisitions Editor Janyre Tromp for help. Not only has Janyre been in the role of editor, she is also an author (
Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, 2022; It’s a Wonderful Christmas, 2021) so she understands both sides. According to Janyre, here are six things editors wish authors knew:- Learn How to Use Track Changes
It is essential that you understand track changes in Microsoft Word. Practice it with your critique partners so that when your first editor addresses issues in the manuscript, you’ll know exactly what to do.
*If you are using Microsoft Word 2007, you MUST upgrade. That program actually introduces errors into the manuscript.
- Take Deadlines Seriously
Editors are often working on multiple books at one time. They schedule a certain amount of days for each author’s book so if the book is delayed, you risk harming more than your own career. You put other authors’ books under strain as well.
- Outlines Are Amazing
Timelines, chapter summaries, and outlines make life much easier for your editor. Imagine having to take apart a Lego creation, then put it back together without the instruction manual. It creates more work than necessary for the editor. If you have the chapters and plot points neatly marked, your editor will have more time to make more powerful adjustments to your story
- The Editor/Author Relationship Is Key
The editor’s job is to make the book sell better. Period. They may love the Independence Day-style speech you’ve given your hero right before the final cupcake bake-off, but if it won’t sell more books, it’s likely to be cut. This is for the author’s benefit, believe it or not. At the end of the day, what matters is whether you’ve sold books. It’s always good to assume your editor has your best interest at heart. You’re on the same team. If you forget that, it’s much easier to take changes and suggestions personally.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions…
If you don’t understand why your hero cannot run over your heroine’s puppy* in the last chapter, you can always ask the editor what the reasoning is. Your editor shouldn’t mind explaining some questionable changes or deletions. You may even learn from it!
- …But Choose Your Battles.
Notice I said “some questionable changes” above. Editors do not have the time to have every suggestion second-guessed. Remember, it is a team effort. You don’t want to turn your teammate into your rival. If it is absolutely necessary for your heroine’s burrito shop to be called “Stuff It,” then by all means, fight for it. If it isn’t, take Elsa’s advice and let it go.
For more suggestions on how to create a healthy author/editor relationship, you can join Janyre’s Facebook group, Editing Insiders with Janyre and Sarah. Make sure you check out It’s a Wonderful Christmas and Shadows in the Mind’s Eye!
*No actual puppies were harmed during the writing of this blog post.
Christmas is in the air in Kedgewick Creek, North Carolina, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Will romance find four couples in the month of December or will the pressure to keep the festivities Mistletoe Square is known for keep these couples apart? Find out in this collection of four novellas from inspirational authors Pepper Basham, Cara Putman, Janine Rosche, and Teresa Tysinger.
The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?
Silver Bell Secrets by Cara Putman
Growing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?
An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa Tysinger
Ellie and Oliver Larson face a Christmas full of uncertainty rather than festive cheer. Ellie is tired of playing a supporting role to Oliver’s passion of running the Kedgewick Creek Playhouse. Oliver can’t imagine his life without her. When things go off script, will their love story find its second act?
Dreams in Toyland by Janine Rosche
Toy shop owner Peyton Hammond knows a secret that could take down online giant Kiljoy Toyz and its owner, Joey Kiljoy. After the two adversaries spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts for charity, will the sun rise on newfound love, or will prejudice and lost dreams keep hope in the dark?
Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series and her upcoming release ASPEN CROSSROADS. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades. Chat with her on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.JanineRosche.com for a free Whisper Canyon Romance prequel novella.