About American Book 

    Our Mission

    Our Promise

    The Imprints

Author Guide

     Author Introduction

    Book Production & Sales

    Working With Your Editor

Author Information

    Manuscript Submission

    Instruction & Guidelines

Bookstore

    American Book Titles

    Available Here And At

    Bookstores Near You.

Comments About Us

     Comments From The

     Industry & Authors About

     American Book. 

Media Information

    Company Information

    Press Releases

    Review Book Requests

Articles 

    Over 100 Articles All

    Written By Our Very Own

    Authors & Editors!

Rights & Permissions

    Information for obtaining

    Subsidiary Rights & Use

    Permissions.

Valuable Links For Writers

    Comprehensive List of

    Best Writer Resources.

Link To Us

    Instructions & Banners 

We Welcome Your Questions & Comments Please E-Mail Us Here

Historical Approaches 

to Author/Editor Conflicts 

How often do editors and authors lock horns over how to properly structure a particular phrase, the validity of a fact or maybe even the necessity of an entire chapter? To avoid the “come-out-swinging” approach to conflict resolution, editors and authors should go out of their way to work together as a team and to respect the efforts put forth by each. This article looks at examples forged in the pages of history by Leonardo da Vinci and Abraham Lincoln that explain a practical method of viewing the editor’s role. 

Leonardo da Vinci has often been called the greatest mind of his time–our minds often conjure up images of da Vinci when we say or hear the words “renaissance man.” He made a life of pursuing knowledge and keeping notes of his observations-great and small. However, he never had an editor. As a result, he documented many observations for prosperity that have never been published. 

However, if da Vinci had had an editor, how many of those insightful pages would have found their way to the scrap pile? Would the master himself have had to sacrifice much of his life’s work so future readers could view editor-approved content only? 

Like da Vinci, an author’s work must clearly and succinctly document facts or events and appeal directly to the emotions of the audience (the reader). However, to preserve the author’s message, when offering his or her insight the editor must remember that the author is the artist who began with a blank canvas and an idea. It’s the editor’s role to help that author carry that idea to greater heights. 

Abraham Lincoln did not have an editor when he wrote the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln scrawled this memorable speech on the back of an envelope while traveling to that long ago dedication ceremony. It was simplistic, to the point and succinct–which makes for easy reading–and he wrote it without the services of an editor. 

That historic oratory consisted of a single paragraph containing ten sentences with 267 words. It certainly was not a longwinded speech aimed at supporting Lincoln’s foreign or domestic policies without offending any special interest groups-a concern of some politicians today. 

Before jumping to the conclusion that anyone can communicate through the written word without an editor, consider Lincoln’s audience that November 1863 afternoon. There was the usual scant press corps of the day and other dignitaries in attendance. Some survivors of the crucial battle and family members of those lost. Many of those present were townspeople whose lives changed forever because they were “in the way” of the Union and Confederate forces. 

With the nation still gripped in a terrible conflict, they gathered together for a most solemn occasion–to dedicate a cemetery to war dead on both sides. Had Lincoln made this speech while dedicating a new shopping mall or sports facility, the Gettysburg Address would have died on page six of the local papers. 

Like Lincoln's words, an author’s work must be succinct and appeal directly to the emotions of the audience (the reader). An editor, who is often the first reader of a manuscript (after the author of course), must offer the insight necessary to make that happen. 

Therefore, before editing the manuscript of an author, editors should ask themselves: “How would I edit something written by Lincoln or da Vinci? Should the Gettysburg Address be reduced to a sound bite? Would Mona Lisa look better with a mustache?” 

Get the point? 

By George Gallagher, an editor for American Book Publishing. 

© 2005 American Book Publishing™ *All other trademarks used by permission. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and Trademark Use Policy.