Working With an Editor

You've just found out that your story/article/interview is going to be included in a nationally published magazine/anthology/journal. The editor informs you that they will soon be in touch with you.

If this is your first major publication you may be in for a bit of a shock and it might hurt a little. I'll never forget my surprise whenI opened the attachment of "The Picture", sent back by the editor at Cup of Comfort. It was covered in red. Words wwere rearranged, entire sentences crossed out, words added, comments in brackets - all in that glaring, editorial red.

When editors do this they aren't telling you you're a bad writer. They are just helping you to be a better writer for their publication. They know their audience and they want to assure that your story is enjoyed by all of them. If there is part of the story changes that you disagree with, you can defend your original words, but be concise. Show the editor why your choice of wording will reach out to their readers.

Work with your editor for the best stories you can publish together and they'll be calling you back for more.