* Do you feel it's important or necessary that an editor read through your entire manuscript first before editing?
* Should an editor touch dialog to correct grammar?
* Does an editor have the right to tell you to change the name of a character because she doesn't like it?
Hmm, I guess I wouldn't know if my editors have read through my MS before editing or not. None of them ever said so. As for dialogue, that would probably be on a case by case basis. If the character speaks in a very modern, slang based dialect, then correcting for grammar might completely change their voice. However, I don't think an editor should change a character's name based on personal feelings or opinion. If it's a fact that the name is overused that's one thing, but just because the editor doesn't like it? No, I don't think that's right.
ReplyDeleteYes to a read through, no to the editor changing dialogue but, like changing a character's name, these tings can be negotiated...
ReplyDeleteI knows that Editor have the right to tell you to change the name of a character because she doesn't like it. This blog is all about the Questions to Other Writers Out There. Very useful for all of us.
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