Many years ago, Vicki Lewis Thompson and I did a workshop on the author/editor relationship. Now, at this point, Vicki and I had done several books together, and we knew we had it pretty good. But why did we work so well?
In preparing for the workshop, Vicki came up with a great analogy – she compared an editor to a coach. And the comparison fits perfectly. (It also tells you a lot about my upbringing. Pick a sport, any sport… Only this time, I get to give the suggestions, not take them.
Like any good athletic coach…
1) An editor is always looking for talent.
2) Once that talent is acquired, the editor works with the writer to hone her skills, test her abilities, and push her limits. After all, who knows if the author will sink or swim until she’s thrown in the water?
3) When the author achieves success, the editor is the first one singing her praises. When the author occasionally falls down, the editor is right there to pull her back up.
4) An editor is always reevaluating the author’s readiness to try bigger and better things.
5) An editor is a middleman. She has to consider what the author wants from her career, AND what the publishing house wants from that author. Then she and the author need to figure out a way to make it happen. 
6) In the end, an editor has little choice but to stand back and hope that her organization can afford to keep the incredible talent she’s had a hand in creating.
We’ve all heard that writing life is a solitary one. But an author doesn’t have to do it alone. Writers need editors. Editors need writers. To create the best book, both parties need to contribute what they do best. And when it works, it really works. 
In my humble opinion, openness is the key to this special relationship. Both players need to be able to communicate freely without hesitation, to brainstorm together when needed, to compromise when they seem to be at cross purposes…and most of all, to respect what the other one brings to the table.
I believe that every author deserves an editor who loves her work. And every editor deserves an author who believes her editor can spin her words into gold.
So, I’m asking everyone, authors and would-be authors alike – what do you consider the essential elements of teamwork? Dedication? An open mind? A sense of humor? A free-running supply of wine?
On another note, I’d like to congratulate the winner of the first Blaze contest, Sally Kalkofen. The January, February and March Blaze books will be on their way to you shortly.
And now, for this month’s contest. If you’d like to receive the April Blaze books (all 6), please finish your comment to this blog with…
Blaze books are cool!
The winner will be randomly selected. Good luck to everybody.
Brenda
Entries (RSS)
I think the biggest thing I’ve found with teamwork is cooperation. If you can’t cooperate with someone, then its hard to be a team.
Great post!
Blaze books are cool!
Blaze books are such a great read for me.
Blaze books are cool!!
CONGRATS SALLY!!
Hopefully you’ll share with me – your internet BFF because Blaze Books are COOL!
Of course, I’ll share, D! That’s what CPs do, right?
And with all this talk of teamwork, how could I not? 
My idea of teamwork with an editor or anyone else you have a close relationship with is the understanding between you and the other person. They know your weaknesses and help you overcome them with patience and a small push here and there in the right direction. A pep talk when needed and a hug when all else fails. You know your own cheering section! LOL
Oh and By the way Blaze Books ARE Cool!
Hi, Brenda! We’re obviously on the save wave length this week, because I just used that coachability theme in the NASCAR novella I’m writing.
Also, be prepared for your ears to start burning tomorrow, because your name will be mentioned during my speech at the Heart of Dixie Reader Appreciation Luncheon. 
Great post! In my dictionary of what makes a great editor/author relationship is a picture of you. In a kayak. 
Have a good time at the luncheon, Vicki. From what I’ve heard from Rhonda Nelson, your backside is going to be even more famous after she finishes her speech.
And I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.
Yay! Thank you so much, Brenda and ladies! The loot of books will work perfectly into my plans for summer: reading, reading, and more reading!
*happy dance*
As far as my thoughts on teamwork, I think the key is actually being respectful of each other and what you each bring to the table. Each part of a team has its strengths and, while we’d oftentimes like to think we can take it all on ourselves, two heads are generally better than one. Having respect for each other’s talents leads to optimazation and, ultimately, more success.
And Blaze books are definitely cool! But I don’t need in on this contest…I won’t be greedy.
That’s a great example, Brenda. It’s true… editors are supposed to push you to do better than you could ever do on your own. It sometimes painful, but the end result is usually so much better.
Writing will be the only “sport” I ever wholeheartedly participate in.
Loved the post. Teamwork for me is being as open and honest as possible. Have a great day.
Blaze books are cool!
Congrats Sally!!
And Blaze books are cool because they give me more bang (wink wink, nudge nudge) for less of my buck (I love that the cover price is still so affordable).
But . . . aren’t Blaze books hot?
Hey Heather. You’re absolutely right. Except that they’re REALLY HOT in a REALLY COOL way.
Congratulations, Sally!
As for teamwork, definitely the sense of humor! So essential to any relationship, really. I also vote for honesty – I want to know what falls flat and what gets a “Hell, yes!” – and commitment. I’m an “all in” or “all out” kind of person and I think that’s crucial to making any difficult venture work.
Whoops – I forgot to add what’s really unforgettable – BLAZE BOOKS ARE COOL!
Thanks for sharing the great information. I think Blaze Books Are Cool!
I love a sense of humor in my editors (and anyone, really), but what I’ve found that even more valuable to me than that is having an editor who really believes in my work enough to be willing to let me take a risk every now and then. Being on a team where we have a mutual respect for each other’s work is priceless.
And, of course, Blaze books are COOL!
Teamwork is definitely the name of the game in so many areas. A willingness to work together with an open mind on both sides.
Blaze books are cool!
I think there are a lot of things that make for great teamwork. 1 – Give and Take. 2- Open, honest communication. 3 – Trust. and last but definitely NOT least Bring on the wine to ward off any whine that might take place
Blaze books are cool!
Wow, awesome prizes…and a fabulous post, Brenda. So glad you’ve kicked off the new month this way.
Teamwork. I like the idea of accepting pushes with an open mind. And flexibility is key with a strong dose of stretching. (any team needs to stretch their muscles right?) Actually, I guess stretching creates flexibility.
So, here’s to my next revision letter…I’m off to go stretch so I can be flexible.
Have a great month everyone!
Congrats Sally on your win!
Teamwork… patience…
Blaze books are cool!
I think both the editor and writer have to listen to each other – so having an open mind is essential. Also, be able to be honest with one another.
Oh – Blaze books are cool!
What a terrific post! It’s not something I’ve really thought too much about – but I know so many authors do have a terrific relationship with their editors. As for what I think is required with team work… I’d say *everything* on your list.
It helps, obviously, to have common goal, but more importantly to be working with someone you actually like. You know things will get tough – and it helps to know who you’re interacting with wants what you do as well.
Also – Sally! I’m pea green with envy.
Congrats, Sally!!
Committment and support is what come to my mind when I think about teamwork. My son plays baseball and one of the things we stress is committment. Show up at practice even if there’s something else you want to do. Cheer for your team and be supportive of each other, even if you’re playing left bench. Showing up, being supportive, doing your part (whatever that part is) is important. And always doing the best you can!
And, by the way, Blaze books are the coolest!!!
Blaze books are soooo cool
Hi Brenda,
I think teamwork definitely requires a sense of humour and an open mind!
Blaze books are cool!
Congratulations to Sally for winning last months contest!!!
Blazes are so COOOL!!!!!
I love the romance and the heat in all the books!!!!!!
Hi Brenda–
I think a crucial component for teamwork is being a straight shooter. When two people know exactly where they stand with each other, only then can the other things–like mutual respect, common strategy, and enjoyable interaction–be achieved. Your authors rave that you make them the best they can be! I’m a huge Blaze fan and hope to write for the line someday because…Blaze books are cool!
Hi Brenda!!!
The most important component for me in the author/editor relationship is TRUST. I absolutely, positively trust that Brenda will push me to make my book better. I know there is no hidden agenda when she makes revisions suggestions. She is my biggest and best advocate and when she says something about my work, I take it to heart. The good, the bad and the ugly. I have worked with many editors and I have to admit that she is, by far, the best. I don’t think I would have made it this far (me or my writing) without her. Now back to work . . .
Thanks Kim. You know, that trust works both ways. I always know I can count on you for a fantastic book…and you haven’t disappointed me yet!
Oh, and p.s. Blaze books ARE cool! I love reading the line, both new and established authors. Of course, Vicki is one of my all-time favorites.
Ooh, what a great topic. I’d have to say effective communication is critical in a working relationship. I feel very fortunate that when Kathryn’s talking, I always “get” what she’s asking for. It was one of my biggest fears before I’d sold–that I’d get revisions and I’d find myself staring at the letter, clueless and confused as to what to do. It’s a great gift to be on the same wavelength with the people you’re working with.
You’re absolutely right, Lori. It’s not always easy to see things the same way.
Funny enough, I’ve only had trouble once–with one of my Southern writers. I thought she didn’t understand what I wanted, when in fact, she couldn’t understand what I was saying.
Who knew Canadians had an accent that could elude some Southerners…?
Fab blog, Brenda. I think one of the keys to feeling like I can push myself in my writing is knowing my editor is right there to tell me if it worked – or if it didn’t work, show me where I took the wrong turn. I know, too, that anything I write can be made better once you get your hands on it
You give me great material to work with, Tawny.
Brenda, you’ve raised an excellent point about the relationship between author and editor. Oh – and I’m thrilled, by the way, to learn that there’s a Blaze Authors Blog. Yes! *pumping fist* Mutual respect, I think, is essential in teamwork. Having an editor question the way you’ve approached a scene can be intimidating, but when the writer respects the editor, that intimidation fades away and magic can be made. In reverse, when an editor values and respects their writer, the dynamic between the two is infused with confidence and they truly become a team.
I think having respect for your fellow members is essential in teamwork.
Blaze books are cool!
Congrats Sally!!
Teamwork is so important no matter what you’re doing. You have to rely on each other to reach a certain goal. Great Post!
I think Blaze books are cool!
Great blog, Brenda, and right on the money.
Before you bought my first book, I was so in awe of editors I couldn’t even envision how a give-take relationship would work. I felt like Dorothy before the Great and Powerful Oz.
When Vicki L Thompson mentioned in passing one time that she and others of your authors were doing a river raft trip with you the idea horrified me. I had enough trouble letting you see my writing flaws, but listening to me shriek in terror over white water…impossible to imagine.
I think the quality of Blaze books are proof positive of the go-team-go working relationships between Blaze authors and Blaze editors!
Dawn
There is nothing better in this world than finding a group or team that you can work well with. It makes your working life so much richer.
Blaze books are cool! Which is why I’m on a mission to read every one! Newer ones are easy cause I get them electronically, older ones….not so much….. but I’m having fun trying to find them!
I would love to write but I’m one of those people that can’t get their ideas on paper lol, so I stick to what i’m good at …Reading them~
Blaze books are cool!
Sense of humor! Blaze books are cool!
Enjoyed reading the comments.
I have been on a lot of teams and had to use various methods of arriving at a team-effort product. The one crucial thing I learned was-Who is on your team? For instance, one team I was on was supposed to build a horse- Guess what the outcome looked like-A CAMEL And wouldnt you know it, most of my team members were men!
Blaze books are cool (and I like to read them)
Well, I don’t know much about editors, but I would think no matter what sort of job it is when you have two or more people working together, it is always a plus and better if the group can get along. Otherwise, nothing will ever happen. Always fails if you don’t have that.
and. . . Blaze books are cool!
Lois
Dedication and an open mind are musts. Also, not taking things personally – in an editor / author relationship you’re both working to put out the best book possible, right? So take and refute each suggestion in terms of the work, not the personalities.
Blaze books are cool!
Okay, the sports analogy rocks. Texan raised with sports on the brain. LOL!
Great post and yep, Blaze books are COOL!
I think the epitome of teamwork is knowing that the common goal requires compromise, understanding that the other has the work’s best interest in mind, and a determination to complete a piece that both can be proud of.
Blaze books are cool!
What a great idea. Teamwork is in all things worthwhile: families, friendships, sports, the teamwork between teacher and student, and I can see how important an editor and writer team is.
And as writers, isn’t it great when people like our work? Creating that teamwork with readers some day is my goal.
So, yes, Romance is cool,
But blaze is way cool!
Correction:
Blaze books are cool! Way cool!
I think teamwork is best when each person has an open mind and trust one another.
Heroes that make me drool!
Blaze books are cool!
Congrat to Sally!
Blaze books are the best!
Blaze books are cool!
Respect is one of the most important elements in a team relationship. If you both respect each other as professionals and as people, you’ll do great.
Blaze books are cool.
The essential elements of teamwork to me are honest communication, respect, trust, and a good sense of humor.
I think being open-minded is key to a team relationship, and have to agree, Blaze books are cool!
Congrats Sally
Blaze books are cool!
open mind and liitle alcohol is good to go lol
congrats sally u lucky
blaze books are cool!!!
so cool darnent lol have a good weeknd all
Wow! Let me repeat how happy I am to be here. Teamwork is important and if everyone is on the same page really cool things can happen.
Well, actually, I think blaze books are smokin’ hot! but I guess that also means some would say Blaze books are cool!!
Teamwork is different for everyone involved – but respect has to be there for it to work. Blaze books are cool!
In addition to many other elements already mentioned, a key ingredient to teamwork success would be for everyone to pull their own weight. It can be endlessly frustrating when some members of the team sit back and let everyone else get on with it!
Oh and BTW…Blaze books are cool!
Congratulations on the firt winner Sally.
I think that teamwork is number 1. Also to respect each others feelings and ideas. Keeping an open mind and having that glass of wine make a nice enviroment to communicate in.
Blaze books are Cool !!
Carol L..
Communication is essential for good teamwork. I see this on the baseball field every week (and have seen it every spring and summer for years!!). The best coaches are the ones shouting instructions to their players, making their signals clear and understandable, demanding more from players who are slacking, encouraging those who can’t seem to find their groove. Communication is so important. When everyone’s on the same page, there’s less room for error and more room to learn, grow and flourish.
Blaze books are cool!
Communication, respect, and a common goal area all important to good teamwork! Thanks for the reminder that teamwork’s necessary even in seemingly solitary pursuits!
And definitely, Blaze books are incredibly hot AND Blaze books are cool!
Teamwork requires communication and dedication. You also should be able to trust in your team’s decisions and actions to function as a good team. These things are necessary to accomplish a team’s goals!
Blaze Books are cool!!
I enjoy these books – just the right length for reading before bed – gives my dreams a nice twist too!
Blaze books are cool!
I enjoy these books – just the right length for bedtime reading.
Blaze books are cool!
Blaze books are cool!
I think the most important part of teamwork is that everyone understand that they might need to compromise.
Blaze books are cool!
I equate an author/editor relationship like a good marriage. My mother always taught me ‘Where there’s no trust, there’s no love.’ For a partnership to work there has to be complete and total trust from both parties. Trust they might know what they’re talking about and have your best interest (and theirs sometimes) at heart.
I think this is epitomized not only in the blaze books but by some of the authors. The Tori Carrington team obviously have this teamwork thing down to an art form as a successful writing partnership, their relationship with their editors and in their marriage. Kudos to Trust!
Must be the formula for why Blaze Books Are Cool!
You are so lucky to deal with the professional , funny, interesting Vickie! I’ve enjoyed so many of her books over the years!
Congrats Sally! Great prize!
Blaze Books are COOL!
Congrats to Sally!
Blaze books are cool!
The great bloggers on this website remind me that Blaze books are cool!
I would have to say that teamwork and trust would go hand in hand. You need to be able to work together and trust that your editor will give you positive feedback and support and the author will be receptive to the feedback and willing to revise and edit their work.
Blaze books are cool!