What is an editor's role? How does an editor work with an author to elevate and support their work?

As I start my time as an Editorial Fellow, I want to know about the kinds of relationships editors and writers have. I’ve considered this question since seeing Robert Gottlieb speak on a panel at the 2019 Brooklyn Book Festival about his editorial relationship with Toni Morrison. He spoke of taking a backseat to Morrison’s writing process and advocating for her to be able to work full-time as a writer, but also arguing about the placement of a comma.

Maya Angelou in a New York Times article joked that she and her editor, Robert Loomis, were “an item.” She was fiercely loyal to him and his questions, despite them also being "a nuisance.... 'Why did you put a semicolon there, to give the thought some breath? Is that the word you really want?’ I’ve said to him many times you’re bullheaded, I’ll never speak to you again and then I send him night letters or telegrams telling him he’s right."

What other models are out there? Join me for an ongoing series of Master Classes with Editors to explore some possibilities.

With best,
Taylor, Editorial Fellow

May 09 | Jenn Baker and Dennis Norris. "Intentionality doesn't make the work, perspective does." —Jenn Baker. What questions can an editor ask to help a writer to view their own work differently? A class on trust, perspective, and possibility.

May 28 | Maisy Card and Christine Pride. How does an editor help a writer find the best structure for their work? How do they work together to develop and shape the novel as they edit the manuscript? A class on potential, inspiration, and energy.

May 30 | Megha Majumdar and Megan Cummins. How might we, as writers, be purposeful in our revision process? How do the choices writers make help solidify purpose within a narrative and build confidence? A class on choice, purpose, and confidence.

Upcoming classes will be listed here.