From: Norma Jean <nsawicki>
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 15:28:36 -0400

While I understand the temptation to make judgments about the relationship between a writer and his/her editor, no one can possibly know what was or was not suggested, nor can one know what went on in a writer's mind when he/she created the work unless the writer decides to talk about it. The editorial relationship between a writer and his/her editor is private/confidential; it is not good form for an editor to say "I did this,
" or I did that," or " I suggested X but x writer refused," nor does it create trust, and without trust, the relationship is doomed. Ultimately, the book belongs to the writer...not the editor, or the publisher. For the reader/critic, the question is what works, does not work... on the page...one cannot know more, or should, unless the writer chooses to discuss the process, or answer questions. Andre Gide said something like...do not try to understand me too quickly; the same can be said of the editorial relationship between writer/editor, as well as the creative process itself. Norma Jean
Received on Wed 25 Jun 2003 02:28:36 PM CDT