Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know about What Editors Do

by Gerald C. Gross

Book Overview

Since 1962 Editors on Editing has been an indispensable guide for editors, would-be editors, and especially writers who want to understand the publishing process. Written by America's most distinguished editors, these 38 essays will teach, inform, and inspire anyone interested in the world of editing. Editors on Editing includes essays on the evolution of the American editor; the ethical and moral dimensions of editing; what an editor looks for in...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802132634
• ISBN13: 9780802132635
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 377 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to editing for editors

This book is a series of some three dozen essays written by prominent editors on various aspects of editing. Their reflections range from the thoughtful to the occasionally lighthearted-comments on what makes a successful editor, the history of editing in America, the ethical and moral dimensions of editing, how books are chosen, how editors schedule their work, the editor as negotiator, copy editing, line editing, etc. There are also a number of essays about editing various genres of writing: Christian literature, crime fiction, children's books, mass-market paperbacks, fantasy, reference, romance, and so forth. While the title of the book indicates that it is written for writers, it is every bit as useful, if not more so, for aspiring editors. Yes, it is a great help for writers who want to work with editors. But there are too few books on the craft of editing. This one will give you an excellent introduction to the subject. Coming from thirty-some authors, it will give you a balanced view of how to be a great editor.

For potential editors as well

I highly recommend this book for writers as well as for potential editors. It is a collection of essays by well known editors discussing their craft and the inner-workings of a publishing house.For writers, this book will clear up some misconceptions on what an editor can, and can not, do for you. It lets you know what many editors are looking for, and explains the various kinds of editing. I would recommend Scott Walker's essay on small presses. After reading this, you should take a long look at which house you wish to publish your manuscript.For potential editors, this book will give you a better view of the different kinds of editing and the way the editing world is changing. Above all else, I would read John Paine's essay on the reasonable suggestion. This will put things into perspective.Again, I would highly recommend this book.

Great for Students

This what I didn't have studying English at Illinois State University... "Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do."So we studied reading the poets, and writing essays, and all that. But we had no idea what to do afterwards.What do editors do? How can I, as a writer, meet their needs?"Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do" provides the nitty gritty low-down. These aren't secrets, but you do need to know these things.It is more than about publishing as a job, but an examination of the sorts of things which matter to an editor. Want to get your stuff past the slush pile, or work long-term with an editor. Here's how.I fully recommend "Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do."Anthony Trendl

If you want to get published, read this book first!

Every published author and wannabe writer should read this book to understand what really happens behind the publishers door. It will help you get published and understand why your great american novel received a postcard rejection slip. I should know: I'm a developmental editor for Tarcher/Putnam books. It even helped me to get my own books published. Read it or weep!

What writers and editors need to know!

Editors on Editing is a must have reference for writers as well as to-be editors. It is a collection of real stories that teach you and make you think about the editorial world from every angle and in every step of production. It is especially helpful for new editors and people looking to get into editing. It will definitely answer a lot of your questions and will dispell many myths.