I’m currently working with an author on her proposal and sample material.

When I first got it, I thought, “This is good.” But then I showed the MS to a few others, and was very surprised by their negative reaction. What’s more, the other reviewers all shared the same criticisms.

So I dove back into the material to see what I’d missed. And sure enough, I saw what they were talking about. There were indeed some systemic issues with the writing.

I felt bad for not seeing this at first, and a little embarrassed. I could have just bailed on the project for a vague reason at that point. But something told me not to. Instead, I decided I’d give it my best effort, and go down swinging if I must.

But then I wondered if the author would be able to receive some hard feedback. She was! She was extremely humble about wanting that kind of perspective.

So we’ve been working together on the material, addressing issues, crafting a stronger angle and language. At nearly every turn she’s been receptive to cuts/rewording/reframing.

The other day I asked one of those reviewers to reread a new version of the material they’d seen before. Their response was amazing: “I really like this. It’s like I’m reading a different book than the one before!”

Moral of the story: In a multitude of counselors there is wisdom.

Authors: please do not be too good to be edited. You don’t know what kind of doors you are prematurely closing on yourself by doing that.

Editors: Let’s not be hung up on our first instinct. Let the opinions of others in, even if it goes against what you thought. You never know what kind of great book might be buried underneath the one you think is just “good.”