What is an editor for?

[Sandra Davies]

By which I mean what are their core responsibilities?

I ask because I assumed that ensuring correct use of English (inconsistencies of spelling and matching tenses for example) was a given.

And although I would hesitate to claim that they ‘ought’ to impose a minimum level of ‘good’ writing – for example, by suggesting that sentences flow smoothly or that switching to third from first person and back again in a single paragraph was eradicated – I can see that some might be reluctant to impose (put the work in??)

For a novel I would hope that a nod towards veracity was deemed essential, along with an ironing out of any jerky illogicalities which confound the plot, even if only to uphold their own status in supporting the premise that writer is one worth promoting.

So when I read a book by a writer who highly praises her editor and has seven published books (and a contract for more) and I find it barely readable because of what I deem is its poor writing, is that because I’m picky, or that the editor has failed to do her job?

And further undermining my certainty are the tributes from two non-red top newspapers, and the fact that a friend and librarian said that the writer ‘wasn’t bad’, that she had two of her and had looked to buy a third - even given that reading is subjective, surely there’s a bottom line beyond which one would suppose any competent editor would not sink?

[Sandra Davies]

Thanks Cita - I suspect my views on the fnction of an editor are skewed and/or old-fashioned.   But I understand perfectly your discouragement!

[Cita]

Sandra, I keep running across this same issue that presents itself in two forms.  One is copy editing.  It doesn't matter how well a book is written in terms of plot and characterization if the grammar and mechanics suck.  Copy editing, good copy editing, can be had for  a small sum of money, and is well-worth every penny.  Big broad editing, the editorial content kind of oversight, is also important, but an editor cannot make a writer a good writer.  At some point, an editor has to step back and decide if this writer is worth the time and effort.  NOTHING can take the place of good writing and yet, we see, over and over again, really poor writing get published all of the time.  Can you tell I am discouraged?

 

[Sandra Davies]

Thanks Bob - the pity is that this particular book could be very good - the plot and premise have a lot of momentum, the main characters potential, the location superb, but it is so poorly written as to detract, for me, and ultimately the author herself is let down because it could/should be so much better.   Again, IMHO.

[Bob Clay]

While I know that spelling and grammar are important, and the use of the belt fed comma machine gun (pretty much a requirement on 6S !!) is pushing the boundary a bit, for me if the story doesn't grip/amaze/thrill/scare the shit out of me (delete which not applicable) then all the technique in the world isn't going to maitain my interest.

 

But then I don't have to deal with editors (long ago which I worked for a local newspaper I had an editor ... I hated the bastard !!).

 

Good luck with this San .. ☺