Everything About Editors

 

 What’s an editor?
In traditional publishing, an editor convinces their publishing house to acquire your book, and then helps you make the book the best it can be.

How do I get an editor to consider my book?
Most editors aren't open to unsolicited submissions, so your agent will need to submit your book to editors on your behalf. There are exceptions to every rule - you might meet an editor at a conference who asks to read your book, for example, and some publishing houses do accept unsolicited submissions. Even then, it's helpful to have an agent, to help you navigate the world of publishing and draw up contracts. If an editor makes you an offer, you can put that in the subject line of your query letter to agents,  who will definitely sit up and pay attention!

What does it mean to go on submission?
When you agent sends your manuscript out to editors, it's called 'going on submission' or 'going on sub.' This is a huge accomplishment! Congrats! 

How does Submission work?
Your agent will write a pitch letter. Basically, it's their version of a query letter, trying to get editors to want your book. You can ask to see this if you want - it feels pretty great  to see someone talk about your book like it's the beautiful, exciting creature you always hoped it'd be!

Next, your agent will compile a list of editors (some make smaller lists, some larger, it's just their preference), and send your manuscript to them. This is called a 'round.' Generally, in about 6 weeks your agent will start hearing back from those editors (give or take a few weeks) - but you may not hear back for months. It'll be a lot of waiting. Better start working on something else in the meantime. 

You can tell your agent how much into you'd like about which editors reject your manuscript and why. Some people want to know everything, others find it emotionally devastating. Just tell your agent what you'd like to do. 

If the first round doesn't work out, your agent will send another round, and another. If a few rounds go by with no offers, your agent will talk with you about changing your approach. Does the manuscript need edits? Does the agent's approach need to change? You'll figure it out together.

But with luck, an editor will love your book, and want to acquire it!

How does an editor acquire a book?
Even if an editor loves your book, they have to bring it to the rest of their team at an acquisitions meeting and convince them all that this book will make money. If the numbers align, they'll get permission to make you an offer. 

If an editor does get to make an offer, they'll contact your agent, who will coordinate a time for you to talk. You'll decide whether this editor's offer is a good fit, and if so, your agent will draw up a publishing contract!

What is an editor going to do to my beautiful words?
They’re going to give you an edit letter. Basically it’s just comments about things they like, and things they suggest you think about or change.  You've been through  this before with your critique partners and your agent - it's not really different, except now there are deadlines. 

What if I don’t agree with their suggestions?
That’s okay! Your editor isn’t your boss, and you aren’t theirs. But before you jump to arguing, take some time to think about their comments. Then, if you still disagree, talk to your editor about why. They’ll work with you. At the end of the day, it’s your book, and they can’t make you do anything to it you don’t like. Just remember – this is their entire profession. They know what they’re doing.

Will I keep the same editor, always?
Maybe not! Some people stay with the same editor, but not everyone does. Book by book, you might work with different editors or different publishing houses over time. And even if you build a great relationship with an editor, remember that publishing houses change constantly. They merge with other publishers, fire people, hire people. Editors change jobs and titles. You might even start out working with one editor and then, for whatever reason, they might leave that publisher, and suddenly you’re working with someone new. 

Remember, through all these changes, your agent is your support system. Talk to them about any concerns or questions you have.