Editor: Pet Peeve – The Blame Game

Let me be clear at the start this is not to be confused or assumed I’m referring to when an author contacts the editor or publisher about an error.

I am referring to those few who blame their editors or publisher for any negative critique of their book. I’ve read these rants towards editors and publishers I personally know and those I only know via industry friends. I have known some of the authors ranting; some I haven’t.

Have any been directed at me? Yes. However, not where I have seen them publically. I’ve even been blamed due to my reviews.

If there is a missed error, by all means contact those who can help. Please keep in mind one small thing – how many errors have you read in the top industry published books? The time and cost to change a misplaced comma or then to than does and must factor into the timing or even the very reality of making a change.

Everyone wants their work to be presented as perfect as possible. Reality is that everyone, even the author, are human.

Most rants come from anger or hurt – I won’t say malicious although there have been those which are difficult to think otherwise. But even during these heightened emotions we must keep our professionalism. Future editors, publishers, reviewers, and readers are watching and making decisions even before you contact them.

The other advice I will offer – read, read, backward read, read out loud, read slowly before signing off on the last version you, the author, send off.