I asked editors and proofreaders about their biggest editing challenges, what they wish authors knew and their biggest worries when returning work to a client. Here’s what they told me.
This is my joint-50th blog post.
Why joint?
I wanted to do something different to mark this silver milestone, so I put a callout on social media and to my mailing list, asking editors and writers two different sets of questions. I had so many fantastic responses, I decided to make two blog posts out of it.
If you’re an editor, you may find it interesting to read the writers’ responses. I asked them about writer’s block, what they are most proud of in their writing journey so far, and their biggest worry when sending their work to an editor. The answers to the last question in particular were enlightening and may help you to more easily address your clients’ needs.
Here’s what the editors and proofreaders told me:
Abha Agarwal
Publishing consultant and editorial services provider
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Keeping that itchy palm in check, and not to venture into improving the text.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That it is a skill acquired after a lot of hard work, and the work itself is pretty intensive. Editing is quite subjective and there could be two correct but differing opinions between editors. And that it is a human working on that manuscript, which means that there could be a margin for a few errors escaping notice.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That the client may get upset by some of the suggestions, or the number of edits.
Brenda Athey
Proofreading, copyeditor and website designer
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Articulating why I make more complex changes in a line edit. I’m great at tweaking others’ words, but struggle to come up with my own!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish that fiction authors understood that they sabotage both themselves and the indie author community as a whole when they put an unedited book out there to compete with other books that have been edited. Readers notice, and are not shy about mentioning lack of editing in reviews. It only feeds into the stereotype of self-published books being lower-quality writing. Putting a well-edited book out there says that you respect yourself, your work, and your reader.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That no matter how many times I say it, they will forget that I am on their side, and not trying to show them all the ways they are a “bad writer.”
Lacey Braziel
Romance editor and proofreader
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
When an author hasn’t done any self-edits and thinks that one round of editing makes it ready for publication.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish authors knew and treated editing like what it is: a specialization that takes countless hours of education.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I may have missed something and that my work isn’t good enough this time.
Kim Brockway
Brockway Gatehouse: editing for authors of cosy mysteries and paranormal women’s fiction
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Staying focused and concentrating for long periods of time.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
How involved it is, and how that affects the timescale.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
My biggest worry is that a client won’t be happy with my work.
Jen Burns
Copyeditor, and editor/proofreader of web content
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Knowing exactly how long a piece will take to edit. My estimations are usually pretty accurate, but not always.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
How much time and skill it takes to get it right, while still respecting the writer’s voice.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I’ve missed something glaringly obvious, and they would never use my services again. I’m being totally dramatic here, but that would kill me, I think.
Lee Clarke
ProofHawk: proofreading fiction, subtitles/captioning and other content
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Trying not to sound stern or emotionless in my writing style when making suggestions.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That EVERYONE needs proofreaders and editors!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they’ll run off with the finished proof and not pay. 😬
Shaina Clingempeel
Editor specialising in poetry, memoirs and literary fiction
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
I am a perfectionist, but I’m trying not to overthink things and double-check so much that it slows me down.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
While I understand the desire to get your work out there, the editing process takes time; it’s better to be thorough than to rush the process.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
Sometimes I worry about how the writer will respond to my edits. I want them to know that, while my edits are extensive, they always come from a positive place and a desire to work with them to ensure immense development.
Kris Emery
Editor and proofreader working with women entrepreneurs and small businesses
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
There’s only one of me! Availability can be a challenge, particularly when authors don’t plan ahead with their editing and have not factored in much time for producing the book.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
Work on your defensiveness! Just kidding. Seriously though, authors should know we’re on their side and we want the very best for their books. It’s a collaboration, a conversation. An author can take or leave the feedback, but also they should develop trust with their editor. We don’t make arbitrary changes. A success for the author is a success for us.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
The first time authors look at their edits, there’s often a lot of emotions going on, which is understandable. My biggest concern at that stage is that reaction will derail a project. It’s normal to feel a little tender when your first few professionals get involved, but if you take feedback on the book too personally at the editing stage, then you’re really not ready for what’s coming down the line. I’m always open to providing extra support if an author is struggling. Lots of people find editing the hardest part and need a big dose of encouragement at that stage.
Nicky Folan
Granite Editorial: Romance editing and proofreading
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Treading the fine line between editing text, and changing text. A good editor should enhance what the author has written, not change it to the way that they (the editor) would write it.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
Editing is a skill that, like any skill, takes knowledge and practice. Not everybody who uses the job title ‘editor’ is of the same skill level, and authors should do their due diligence when researching editors and go beyond just looking at the final price.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
How an author will react to my edits. I never want an author to feel their heart sinking when they see the edited manuscript and I like to remind authors that this is their book, not mine, and it’s their choice which suggestions to accept and which to reject.
Andrew Hodges
The Narrative Craft: Editing and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Judging a job based on a sample.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
It takes a long time and isn’t cheap (because you are basically paying someone’s salary!)
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
For new clients: that we are on the same page; for all clients: what if a potential missed typo has a big effect on what happens to their text! We care 🙂
Dee Houpt
Dee’s Notes: Editing and proofreading services for the romance genre
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Leaving behind good-enough notes to ensure the author also learns from the edits.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
Editors should not receive your first draft, there should be multiple rounds of self edits before sending it off to the editor.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That the author doesn’t go through everything individually to learn from the edits and ensure they are up to their standards. (Basically just does an ‘accept all’ and moves on.)
Jamie Jolley
JJ Proofreading: Catering to the book and self-publishing author industries
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Feeling satisfied that I’ve discovered every single possible error in the text.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That they’re paying for a skill set, not for the number of edits. Even if the number of changes are low, I’ve still worked hard to comb through the entire piece!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they’ll be disappointed or feel deflated by the amount of changes needed.
Isobel Kent
Children’s book editor and proofreader
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Fighting the urge to do just one more pass in case my brain tricked me.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish they appreciated that editing is a partnership – I’m not marking their work.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
My biggest worry is that they’ll come back with a question when I’ve moved on to the next job and that I can’t remember what their book was about!
Sarah Lamb
Writer, ghostwriter, editor and proofreader
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Often getting the author to communicate their specific desires and needs so I can help shape their manuscript according to that.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
Editing is more than typo hunting and punctuation checks. A lot goes into helping polish a manuscript which is why it takes time.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
How an author will react once they see the markup. Some have much more red than others but each change was carefully considered and none are vanity edits.
Cheryl Livesey
Editor and translator
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Changing too much or not enough.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That we are not there to judge, but to help them and the readership.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they’ll be overwhelmed or underwhelmed…
Dave Nelsen
The Grammar Geek: Copyediting and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Meeting tight deadlines while providing a thorough edit. The client’s needs don’t always allow me to do a second read-through.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That it takes time! Even if you think your document is clean and just needs “a quick glance,” I guarantee I’ll find more than you think. That’s not a knock against you as a writer; this is my job.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
Obviously, I worry that I missed something. And I worry that if I missed one error in a 300-page document (but caught 900 errors), the author will think I’m a bad editor.
Michelle Noble
Editor, proofreader, alpha and beta reader, writer
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
I’d say my biggest challenges are to not second-guess myself, and to avoid scope creep—I want to fix all the things!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish writers knew that we respect their work and don’t want to undermine it. We want you to be happy with the final product, but we also want it to be the best experience possible for the reader, because they’re our clients as well!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
I definitely worry about whether I’ve missed anything, or made some silly mistake. I hate to disappoint people! But, editors are only human, and no one can ever be perfect.
Susannah Noel
Noel Editorial: Book editing and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Knowing how far to go with my edits.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That we make edits in the spirit of collaboration, not correction.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they didn’t understand what level of editing I was doing and they’ll be disappointed (and angry).
Heather Paluch
Bowland Editorial: Proofreading, copyediting and transcription
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Overcoming the imposter syndrome and not doing multiple unnecessary passes!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish that they understood the different stages of editing and the difference between proofreading and editing.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I’ve missed something major!
Leah Rambadt
Fantasy editor and speculative fiction author
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Specifically for a developmental edit: Making sure I address the author’s areas of interest and/or concern about their story in the editorial letter, so the feedback is actionable but doesn’t overwhelm the author.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That editing takes time. Editors consider a lot of factors when determining the return date for a manuscript. For example: the manuscript length, the condition of the manuscript, the type of editing requested, and how much time an editor can dedicate to editing each day (e.g. stamina-wise: how long an editor can read off a screen and make effective edits).
When an editor estimates a return date an author thinks is “too long” a timeframe for editing, these are some of the factors the editor is considering. Remember, editors are people too!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That the author feels overwhelmed by the edits and feedback, especially if a manuscript needs a higher level of intervention.
Authors: Don’t get overwhelmed! For me, at least, the more edits and feedback I give means I really enjoyed your story, and I’m excited to help you polish it into the best version it can be.
Susan Rheingruber
SMR Proofreading: Editing and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Maintaining an appropriate level of balance from project to project to adequately provide the best service to each client.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That editing is not something to be overlooked in the process of writing and publishing their work. Also, while the educational merits of an editor/proofreader should be taken into consideration, don’t discount someone new to the medium who is qualified, and eager, to show just how valuable they can be to your finished product.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
Not remaining true to the author’s ‘voice’ and, inadvertently, confusing the intended message/thoughts/feelings.
Cheyenne Janae Sampson
Frogg Spa Editing: Editing and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Not being able to be next to my authors to help them! Remote work has bonuses, but it also has downfalls. I love being able to help people all over the world, but I miss being able to see smiling faces and bright eyes when someone understands something!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish they knew that we aren’t here to criticize their hard work! We’re here to challenge them, to teach them, to guide them, and to support them!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they’ll shut down and stop writing when they see the revisions when, on the contrary, the only way to go is up!
Claire Selishta
Quill and Scroll Proofreading and Editing
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Timing. The urge to do just one more read-through to be sure it is all OK. But this then adds time to the project.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish authors realised how much work goes into editing their work.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I have missed something really important or obvious and the client has to send it back pointing it out.
Kelly Sharrow
Copyeditor and proofreader
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
The biggest challenge is not overthinking every correction. I could read the same sentence 20 times!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish they knew how time consuming editing is!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
Whether clients will be happy with my work!
Mikael Short
The Intuitive Editor: editing and proofreading services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
My single biggest challenge is definitely scope creep, especially when it’s supposed to be a proofread—and clearly a copyedit was needed. I’ll make note of inconsistencies/issues in that case, but I’ll refrain from offering suggestions for it. It’s hard when you see something that needs correcting but doesn’t fit in the scope of the agreed-upon work.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish authors knew that editing takes time! You’re likely not going to get your manuscript back in two weeks, particularly if an editor is booked up or if you have an extensive manuscript to edit. If you want a thoroughly edited book, plan for plenty of time for the editor to comb through as well as your own revisions between edits. It’s okay to give it a rest between revisions too! Give your manuscript a little room to breathe.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
When I return manuscripts, I don’t worry about too much. I have faith in my skills and training, and I strive to be super clear in my edits and suggestions. I remind clients that edits are ultimately suggestions and my feedback is meant to help improve and clarify their writing. They can do with the information what they will, and it’s out of my hands. I only worry while the manuscript is in my hands—about how I can make it better within the scope of work given!
Jeanette Smith
Editor of novels, non-fiction, short stories and business communications
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Worrying that I’ve “got it all” (aka. fixed every mistake there was).
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
It’s not a passive process. Authors will have to make changes and approvals at every stage.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they won’t see the value in what they paid for.
Siân Smith
Non-fiction proofreader and copyeditor
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Making sure I constantly have my editing eyes on the page, especially if it’s something I’m enjoying reading!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
You should try to have the piece proofread in its final format.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
I worry my edits and suggestions can come across as negative or indicate their writing is terrible, whereas I want them to know a lot of it is just suggestions and tweaks.
Stephanie Thompson
Thompson Editing: Copyediting and proofreading services for authors
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Pushing the Send button when returning the manuscript to the author. I always want to do one more final check to make sure I didn’t miss anything!
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish more authors knew that there are several types of professional editing that are needed. You don’t just write a book then send it to a proofreader. There are several important steps in between!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That the author will be overwhelmed with the amount of red marks on their manuscript and take my edits as a personal affront to their writing abilities. It’s not that at all. I’m really just wanting their book to be the best it can be!
Jen Tolnay
Proofreader, copyeditor and writer
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
I’m a ‘rules’ person so being confident in knowing when it’s okay to break the rules in service of the writing.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
My goal is not to criticize; it’s to make the author’s work as strong as possible.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I’ve misunderstood what the author is trying to achieve with their writing.
Lynne Walker
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Short turnaround.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
How meticulous we are.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
I’m usually fairly confident.
Manda Waller
Romance and fantasy editor
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
My biggest challenge when editing is attempting to explain – clearly and succinctly (and without errors) – why I have made certain suggestions. There are so many things I want to say that I feel will help, but I don’t want to overwhelm the authors I work with.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
I wish all authors understood that editors genuinely want to help. If publishing a book is a battle, we are on the same side!
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
I worry that authors will feel overwhelmed by the level of suggestions. But they are just that. Suggestions!
Kerry Walters
Beeline Editorial Services: Proofreading and copyediting services
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Checking my work SO many times in the worry that I’ve missed something or made something worse.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
That editing is rarely ‘just’ a quick read-through, and that documents may require different levels of intervention.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That the client is happy with it, and also that their audience is able to completely focus on the message (rather than any mistakes/awkward phrasing that would’ve been left in if it hadn’t been edited).
Donna Wattley
Non-fiction editor and proofreader
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
The biggest challenge is trusting your skills and training and not second-guessing every edit.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
You’ll get the work we agreed upon. If you pay for proofreading, that’s what you’ll get, not line editing.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That they’ll be unhappy with my work for some reason and won’t be upfront about it and may even ghost me.
Jenaia Williams
Editor
What is your single biggest challenge when editing?
Getting over my own perfectionism. Editors that deal with perfectionism should theoretically thrive in this position, right? Sometimes, it’s more difficult to get through a piece of work five times and then let it go than to look over it again and again. Editing in and of itself is rather simple…until perfectionism strikes.
What do you wish authors knew about the editing process?
As a self-published author that edited my own books, I believe that book authors need to understand when a story is good and when something shouldn’t be published. I said what I said. Not every story needs to be published and no amount of edits can make a bad story readable. I believe the publishing industry is filled with books that should have stayed in someone’s personal library. Some books have terrible plots, patchy edits, and more that should have had more attention to it. This isn’t to say that authors should be hopeless and never publish anything. Truly understanding the quality of your work DOES matter. So, do some digging.
What is your biggest worry when returning edited work to a client?
That I missed something. Even though I know that the document is well read, I worry that my edits are not good enough. Granted, that worry dissipates after I sent off the email, but it still appears every so often. If you go through this, too, don’t worry. It’s normal. Just breathe and walk away or put down your phone.
How about you?
If you’re an editor or proofreader, I’d love to hear your answers. Fire away in the comments!
If you’re a writer, head over to ‘Writers: in their own words‘ where you’ll find your own set of questions!
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