Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonkchapman
While I agree that editors are, and probably always will be, needed. I don't necessarily agree with the implication (or maybe it's just my inference) that the original publisher is somehow owed something for those contributions beyond the terms of the contract.
I've been through rewrites. The editor suggests changes, the author makes them, or not, or makes some variation on them. Yes, it's an important step in the process, and yes, it sometimes turns good work into excellent work--but it's still the author's work.
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As an editor, I agree with you. A good editor can help an author improve his/her book. Styron was only one example of many topnotch authors who recognized the invaluable help their editor gave. (Perhaps the most famous editor in American publishing history was Max Perkins who was credited by many authors for both creating and saving their careers through his editing help.)
I also agree that there comes a time when an author doesn't owe the original publisher anything anymore.