Editors can influence freelance writers’ livelihoods, their careers, and their reputations, therefore it’s important, when trying to make a living as a freelance writer, not to underestimate the power of the editor.
Working With an Editor
There is no greater sense of relief for writers than when editors declare that they love the writer’s article/manuscript/screenplay.
However, more often than not, the editor finds some room for improvement and asks for a “rewrite”. Keeping editors happy and giving them what they want, can often conflict with the writer’s own instinct, and this puts every writer in a difficult position.
When a Rewrite Improves a Writer’s Work
Most pieces of writing can benefit from the eye of an experienced editor, and will benefit from a certain amount of rewriting. Editors come to piece fresh and can suggest ways to:
- Improve phrasing
- Strengthen focus
- Avoid cliches
- Eliminate repetition
- Get rid of grammatical errors
Every writer should be happy to rewrite their work to achieve the ends mentioned above. During the process of rewriting, the piece will become better and hopefully the writer, too, will become better. Writers can learn an enormous amount from good editors.
When a Rewrite Becomes a Problem for a Writer
Problems can arise however, when an editor demands a major rewrite, or sends the work back for several rewrites because the writer does not appear to be delivering precisely what the editor is looking for.
This can be due to several reasons:
- The editor may have chosen the wrong writer for the job.
- The editor may not have been specific enough when initially commissioning the writer.
- The editor may be unable to communicate well.
- The editor may be adding to the project with new ideas to be incorporated.
Writers may feel that editors who ask for too much are being unreasonable. They may feel that their work will be compromised; will no longer be their own; or will no longer be something that they are proud of, if they comply with all the editor’s demands. There may come a point where the writer feels compelled to refuse to rewrite.
Ground Rules
Writers have a delicate task ahead when entering into discussions with editors about rewrites. It’s important to have a clear understanding of all factors to take into consideration before giving in and agreeing to the rewrites, or electing to hold out and disagree with an editor’s opinion.
The following have a bearing on all decisions:
- Contractual obligations – what does the contract say about rewrites. Remember when negotiating a contract, be specific about rewrites and payments (is payment due on delivery? on acceptance? or after one rewrite? or two rewrites?).
- Editor’s rights – these are explicit in the contract, and implicit in the editor/writer relationship. Remember that the editor is the “boss” and is entitled, having commissioned a piece, to expect a writer to do the necessary work to bring the piece up to the required standard. Writing must be “acceptable” to the editor.
- Writer’s rights – writers are commissioned on the basis of their talent and ability. Editors should take responsibility for choosing the right writer for the job. Having chosen the writer, the editor should not then expect the writer to be a copy typist following their dictation. The editor should respect the writer’s individual style and integrity.
- Reasonable behavior and expectations – beyond contractual obligations, writers and editors should have an expectation that the other will behave in a reasonable and polite manner.
- Consequences of conflict – entering into a state of conflict by refusing to do rewrites or accusing an editor of being unreasonable or being in breach of contract could have far-reaching consequences for a writer. Every writer should consider this carefully.
In general, writers should comply as far as possible with editors’ wishes, even if they have slight reservations. Writers should hold back and decide what things are really “big” enough to argue about.
Be Clear from the Start
The best way to avoid rewrites and possible conflict is to reduce the chance of it from the beginning by taking some simple precautions:
- Get everything in writing
- Ask many questions
- Ensure that everything is clear
It goes without saying that every writer must understand the jargon of the profession when working with an editor. For a successful career as a freelance writer, find out more about the basics of freelance writing.
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