Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do (Paperback)

~ Gerald C. Gross (Editor) "An editor is so many things to so many people that this rhetorically questioning heading is virtually impossible to answer in any concise form..." (more)
Key Phrases: trade paperback editor, hardcover editor, hardcover house, New York Times, Random House, Sandra Brown (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An indispensable guide for editors, would-be editors, and especially writers who want to understand the publishing process. In this classic handbook, top professionals write about the special demands and skills necessary for particular areas of expertise--mass market, romance, special markets, and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 377 pages
• Publisher: Grove Press; 3 Revised edition (January 12, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802132634
• ISBN-13: 978-0802132635
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #191,871 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For potential editors as well, May 5, 2002

By	Jeffrey Leeper "kem2070" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to editing for editors, July 26, 2005

By	David A. Hall "David Hall" (Infinity Dental Web, Mesa, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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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.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to get published, read this book first!, August 16, 2000

By	Mark Waldman "Associate Fellow, Center for Sp... (Counseling offices in Camarillo, Agoura, Woodland Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!