The 800lb Gorilla: A Defense

The most vicious giant mosnters a writer can face are the publisher, the editor, and the brains that take your "brain baby" from your brain womb to the real world.  Every writer has whined about editors changing their aesthetics, or criticizing their work.  Family and friends feed you flattery; that's what they're there for.  Editors do no such thing.

To a writer, Godzilla's got nothin' on an the owner of the eyes passing judgment on your story.  But, how many writers have stopped to look at things through the monster's perspective?  I'd wager not a lot.

Kicking off The Author Speaks: Giant Monster Week we hear from an editor (who has asked to remain anonymous) who seeks to bring an understanding to the 800lb gorilla writers fear.



I am not a writer and I don't have a need to be.

I am the person who will tell you what your friends and family won't. I'm sorry but you will be better for it.

I have no desire to play God with your book.


I am looking for a hook - because so is the reader.

I am not out to get you.


I am not here to make your life hell.


Get tough - I don't deal with tantrums.


I don't take pleasure in knocking you back or telling you your story is not good enough.


I don't take kindly to threats, real or otherwise.


I don't like telling people they need to work on their writing. I do, however, like helping them to work on it.


I am not the devil.


Be respectful - because it's the right thing to do - not because you think I think I deserve it.


I have skills - they just might not be writing. They are making your writing brilliant. Respect that - because I respect your talent.


I don't choose stories purely because they will sell books - if I could do that, I'd play the horses too.


Many stories I choose I don't personally like but they work and, damn it, they are written well.


I'll take into account books you've published before. They will not, however, make me accept your latest.


No matter what, your story must stand on it's own.


I am not impressed by your qualifications - your creative writing classes and your English majors. Funnily enough, I've done them too. I'll be impressed by your writing - I hope.


I am the one that you can rely on to double check your work.


Don't be scared of me - well, maybe just a little.


I will do everything I can to make your story and your book beautiful.


I'll help you get good reviews.


I'll help you get awards. If you let me.


By the time it's printed, your book is as much my baby as it is yours.


But I won't ask you to share it.


I love hearing acclaim for your work - because it tells me I did my job.


I don't want my name on your story - it's yours not mine.


I'm not well paid - this is a job of love.


I do not 'do dinner' or any other kind of food related activities with my authors. I hope to... when they forgive me.

You, author, were a sub, then my charge, now my pride and hopefully one day, a friend - when you forgive me.