ASK A LITERARY CONSULTANT
Taking advice on board
Monica Chakraverty, editorial director at Cornerstones, answers a reader’s query about processing editorial feedback
Q I’ve been working with an editor to improve my writing and submission package but am unsure whether all their comments will really improve a book that feels complete to me.
A It’s interesting to analyse feedback and think about to what extent authors should take on comments from others. Trust is core to a relationship with anyone reading your book, be it a professional or personal relationship. Unpicking your reaction to their feedback is key to taking in any comments and understanding their context. Feedback from a dear one could result in a spectrum of responses, ranging from unconditional positivity to potential paranoia that the manipulating antagonist’s character might be based on them!