Focusing on What You Can Control

Every now and then a topic comes up that gets a fair amount of discussion in freelance editor groups. One of these is the question of authors thanking their editors in the acknowledgments section of their book.

And there are a lot of editors out there trying to convince indie authors that they have to ask permission to do this.

I understand why. Sometimes authors don’t listen to anything we say and they publish a book that we’re … well, let’s say we don’t think it represents their (or our) finest work. And we don’t necessarily want people out in the world thinking that we put our seal of approval on that.

But I gotta say … friend, you are trying to control something that isn’t yours to control.

I mean, what’s next? They can’t mention you in their writing group? If Grandma asks who edited their book, their lips are sealed?

I know, I know, you’re worried about your reputation and maybe the author didn’t listen to anything you suggested and their book is a mess and you don’t want to be named.

Here’s what you should do instead of worrying about things that are outside your control:

• Make sure your arguments for needed changes are clear and persuasive – in fact, make an actual argument.
• Stop taking on work that doesn’t align with your values, including that of quality.
• Do a better job of vetting author compliance before signing a client.

But really: let go of things you can’t control. Your sanity will thank me.