From: Marc Aronson <75664.3110>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1998 08:48:59 -0400

I'm afraid that this editor issue is taking us away from Dear Genius, which deserves as much discussion as we all can muster. But I also think the two are linked.
        When we look back at editor/author relationships through the safe distance of old letters -- as in DG -- we see conflict as interesting gossip, warfare as a fascinating sidelight, personality problems on both sides of the publishing line as quaint quirks. I think all of us saw hints of UN as both Genius and Medusa, and even that, at this far remove, is just a rounded image of an interesting and powerful personality.
        But when we are dealing with flawed, imperfect, all-too-human people today with careers and reputations on the line, and when these mere mortals are involved in the very emotion-laden and yet ultimately professional process of creating books, all of this is much more frought. It ain't as simple as a credit line.
        I am happy to talk with any of you about the editing process, and when you meet us at conferences I'm sure we'd all be happy to give you insights that would enhance your appreciation of the books. But I do think there is something about the process of creation that is private and it is up to the author to say publically as much or as little about it as she wants.
        Of course, as Karen says, years later you can get the real scoop in the archives.
        As an aside, I think this area of creation/collaboration/credit is a very interesting one and all of this discussion only confirms that sense. Someday I may write about it,

Marc Aronson
Received on Thu 13 Aug 1998 07:48:59 AM CDT