Some things have happened lately in my tiny editor world that have caused me to question my own sphere of editorial tolerance. In my day-to-day editing activities, I am mostly engrossed in Christian topics that include anything from health, economics, and politics to family life, personal growth, social issues, spiritual matters, and eschatology. But my own personal reading appetite extends past this to African American topics, secular and religious fiction (not necessarily Christian), career, and personal finance.
I've always taken the position of being the gatekeeper of what my company endorses and stands for and not my own personal beliefs. I am proud to do that, 'cause really editing is not about the editor in the first place. For the most part, I try to put my feet in the author's shoes. Then once I've done that, I consider what the whole team (sales, marketing, and acquisitions) wants from the book. And even further, if I were a reader with the same or differing beliefs, how would the author's position affect me? Would my expectations be met? Did the author fulfill his or her promise? This is how I've always approached a new project, and I know that in some degree my beliefs affect the whole process, but lately I've been wondering if they should be more at play.
Now I admit that I wouldn’t edit books on how to beat your wife, twenty ways to worship the devil, or where to find the best pornography, but I’d like to think I have a strong ability to objectively and effectively edit books that differ somewhat from my own personal beliefs. For instance, editing a book that is very conservative politically while I myself am more independent. Or, editing books that prove and push the traditional family model (man works outside the home, woman doesn’t work, stays home, and cares for children) as the right way for a family to be organized, while what I believe and live differs from that paradigm. I feel that I have been able to understand and effectively edit their point of view.
There is an editor friend of mine who will not edit religious and inspirational titles. Why? I don’t really know the details but I am sure this editor has discovered where their tolerance ends. I guess, in so many ways, and if I really think about it, I have too.
I am appreciating more and more what this little bit of networking I’ve begun to do outside of my company has brought me. Branching out like this is causing me to really think, to be introspective about what I do every day. I expect that this will only strengthen me as an editor, right? I mean, once you know what your strengths are, where you stand, and what you’ll tolerate, your craft is even more honed and focused, right?
I've always taken the position of being the gatekeeper of what my company endorses and stands for and not my own personal beliefs. I am proud to do that, 'cause really editing is not about the editor in the first place. For the most part, I try to put my feet in the author's shoes. Then once I've done that, I consider what the whole team (sales, marketing, and acquisitions) wants from the book. And even further, if I were a reader with the same or differing beliefs, how would the author's position affect me? Would my expectations be met? Did the author fulfill his or her promise? This is how I've always approached a new project, and I know that in some degree my beliefs affect the whole process, but lately I've been wondering if they should be more at play.
So this is where my poll comes in, and I would like professional honesty from those who choose to comment. I believe that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors, and I expect that what you have learned in your career will help me in mine.
- When choosing or accepting a project is your decision based on your belief system, literary strengths, or work experience? Or is it a combination of all three?
- Is it possible to effectively edit a book with concepts or ideology you don’t necessarily agree with?
- Should you edit books that differ from your personal beliefs and moral compass? How different is different?
- What role does your editorial director or publisher play in what projects are assigned to you? How much should they know about your personal beliefs? Should you speak up when you are editing something that you don't agree with?
- Here’s an experience question: If you only have experience within a certain genre, topic, or belief system and you want to expand that or even change it, how do you navigate your skills into that new area?
- Where do you draw the line when deciding which projects you will accept?