As always, preparation is key: make sure you’re working with an editor who’s a good fit for you and for your work, and make sure that the editorial brief is clear and you both understand it. (If you find that you are having major disagreements with an editor, it may be that they’re not the right fit and/or the brief is too vague and you/your editor have interpreted it differently.)
And remember that – unless you’re writing for a journal/company/publisher with their own style guidelines – the final decision on any editorial changes rests with you.
Here are some tips to navigate minor disagreements.
1. Understand the process
Be clear on what happens when, and what you can expect from your editor at each stage. In simple terms, editing is an iterative process which takes you from draft copy to finished product; however, different editorial professionals (depending on geographical location, sector and/or experience) use different names for the stages. Make sure you understand what your editor means by developmental edit, substantive edit, line edit, copy-edit, etc.
2. Understand your editor’s perspective
It’s natural to feel protective of your work but try not to take suggestions personally. Your editor will be using their expertise to try to bridge the gap between you and your readers, by giving suggestions to improve structure, flow, clarity, accuracy and consistency – and they should be able to explain their rationale for every suggestion. Their intention is not to change your voice but rather to focus on making content more accessible and impactful.
3. Stay open to feedback
The editing process can be a powerful way to gain a fresh perspective on your writing from a professional who is highly experienced in improving copy. Keep in mind that constructive criticism is part of the process: it could open up ways to refine and improve your copy that you haven’t considered.
4. Evaluate suggestions objectively
Where possible, assess your editor’s feedback objectively and consider whether their changes improve and enhance your work. It helps to separate your personal attachment and consider whether each change adds something in terms of accuracy, consistency, readability and/or impact.
5. Communicate
If you disagree with a change, ask your editor to clarify and explain their rationale. Your editor will appreciate you engaging thoughtfully with their feedback and often finding out the underlying reason for a change will be enough to move forward.
Note: make sure you understand your editor’s preferred process for communicating about changes, queries and disagreements. This is now possible via different types of software but sometimes a phone call is the quickest way to resolve issues.
6. Stand your ground when necessary
When you feel strongly about retaining a particular element of your writing, whether it’s a stylistic choice or specific language, calmly explain your reasoning. A professional editor will respect your voice and vision.
Often a particular change may not work for you, but the editor’s underlying concern remains valid – in that case, you can work with your editor to find an alternative solution that addresses the concern while preserving your original tone/style.
7. Prioritise
Not every issue brought up by your editor warrants an in-depth debate – if only because that would take a lot of time (and therefore costs more money!). Focus on the feedback that has the most significant impact for your copy.
Sometimes a bit of preparation can be helpful here: for example, you could ask your editor to do a sample edit and prepare a short style guide so you can agree that anything listed on the style guide will be changed and won’t need further attention/discussion.
8. Trust
Finally, trust the process and trust that your editor’s goal is to help your writing shine. The editorial process is designed to refine and perfect your work. Remember that it’s a partnership aimed at creating the best possible final version of your project.
Disagreeing with your editor’s suggestions can feel challenging, but it’s a natural part of the process. Remember, your editor is your partner, not your adversary, and their ultimate goal is to help your work resonate with its audience. Approach disagreements with curiosity and a willingness to learn – this mindset not only strengthens your work but also your working relationship. After all, editing is a team effort, and when author and editor work together with mutual respect and shared purpose, the results are always worth it.
