Whether you’re a seasoned author who has worked with editors in the past, or a first-time author wondering how the editing process works, it’s a good idea to get a refresher on what you can do to ensure the success of your author-editor relationship. During the editorial stage of the publishing process, the editorial team at Pownal Street starts working with you to refine your content. There are three stages of editorial at PSP: developmental or structural, copyediting, and proofreading. Whether you’ve written a family memoir, a piece of creative nonfiction or a gorgeous work of children’s literature, the moments and memories you have with an editor are long-lasting.
The editorial stage is a collaborative and rewarding process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the best of the author-editor team:
1. Open Communication: Both parties need to clearly communicate their goals, expectations, and any specific requirements for the work.
2. Respect Their Expertise: It is helpful to acknowledge the experience and knowledge of an editor, and to be open to their suggestions and feedback. Editors deeply value the author-editor relationship.
3. Timely Responses: Book construction is often time-sensitive! Editors appreciate when authors respond promptly to their queries and provide any additional information they may need.
4. Be Open to Revisions: Think of editorial as your “higher self”. Embrace constructive criticism and be open to making changes that enhance the overall quality of your work, to give it the best vision and touch the most readers.
5. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Authors and editors often work for weeks together, months even! Approach the editing process with a positive mindset, viewing it as an opportunity to improve your work. Remember, every author is teaching the editor new things, as well, as they hone their editorial craft.
6. Clear Deadlines: Pownal Street Press establishes clear deadlines for an author’s revisions. These are primarily set to keep both parties on task, and to ensure you both are on the same page regarding project timelines. Print dates may be booked months in advance, but is it remarkable how fast they seem to arrive!
7. Review Edits Carefully: Take the time to carefully review the suggested edits and provide thoughtful feedback or explanations when necessary.
Remember, the editor-author relationship is built on trust and mutual respect, which ultimately contributes to the success of your book!
Are you ready to embark on your publishing journey with Pownal Street Press? We publish nonfiction and picture books, and have openings for hybrid books in 2025. To get the process started, please contact us here.