“Let everyone know where they stand upfront.”

At the moment I have two dogs, (Nyssa and Dash), but several times a month we have Pebbles also when she is staying upstairs with my brother and nephew. Pebbles is two years older than Nyssa and helped to raise her, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that now.

As the photo indicates, Nyssa is the boss here. And she makes sure Pebbles knows it from the very first moment she comes through the door. There is no aggression, Nyssa just mutters at Pebbles for a second, wags her tail, and then guides Pebbles quickly past the bone pile while I pick them up. Then they are off to the yard to hang out and chase Dash around.

Nyssa and Pebbles have a long relationship, yet Nyssa communicates her position to Pebbles upfront, every time.

In editing terms, communication from the start of the author-editor relationship is crucial. The more open the dialogue, the smoother the process can proceed.

Good, open communication can often mean the results are better as well. Working together toward the common goal promises an improved manuscript as the outcome.

That said, the success begins during the interview process with honesty on both sides.

Sure, the editor may really want the job, but that shouldn’t cloud their assessment of whether they are a good fit for the manuscript.

Conversely, an editor may have come highly recommended by a friend who writes thrillers, but that does not mean their editing style will mesh with your fantasy novel.

We are often told to play to our strengths—that can be obvious. However, the real magic may happen when we are familiar with our weaknesses and we partner with someone who understands them.

And that is all about communication. From minute one.

Once it is established, though, that communication is easy to return to whenever necessary, and often deepens over time. Like Nyssa and Pebbles, they renew the respect in a few seconds and then its just like they were never apart.

Why bicker over a silly bone pile when there’s a Dash to chase? Come on, Pebbles says. Whatever, let’s just go. 😉

Have a great week! Woof woof rooooooo!🐕‍🦺

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Like this post, I value communication and collaboration during the editing process. Want to know if I can help you on your publishing journey? Visit the Quill & Orb Press website for more information.

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