“Do’s & Don’t’s of Working With Editors.” A panel discussion with Jenn Scheck-Kahn, Benjamin Davis, & Erik Klass

Editors are "your most devoted reader."

Ahoy and TGIF! I come with a panel discussion today, freshly wrapped!

Today I had the joy of speaking with Jenn Sheck-Kahn, Founder of Journal of the Month; Ben Davis, Co-Founder of Chill Subs; and Erik Klass, Founder of Submitit.

In today’s session, we talked about editing specifically in relation to lit mag publishing. What makes for a good editing session with an editor? What should writers expect from working with an editor? How can writers get the most out of this kind of editorial back and forth, finding a balance between asserting their own vision and meeting the interests of the editors and the specific magazine?

Other topics covered: What is the difference between a professional editor and a lit mag editor, in terms of what type of feedback writers can expect? When is a good time to bring in a professional editor? Is there a danger of bringing in a professional editor too soon in the writing process? What can a professional editor bring to the writing process that a writer might not be able to do for themselves?

Also, what are big editing no-no’s? What should absolutely not do when editing a writer’s work? When should writers speak up?

What is the nature of the editor-writer relationship generally? Why do so many writers feel like they’re pounding on gates that will never open? What can writers do in their own submission process to have a better experience and to feel they are part of a supportive and nurturing community?

So many questions! We chatted for ninety minutes and could have likely gone on for ninety more, if it weren’t for life careening into our writerly time, as life is wont to do.

I’m so pleased to bring this panel to you, and we will surely have these lovely guests back in the near future. (If you have ideas for a panel or there’s a topic you would really like to see discussed, never hesitate to let me know.)

To all who came out today, thank you for tuning in! Your faces are the cool sweet calm in this chaotic world.

And, of course, thank you to Jenn, Erik and Ben for taking the time today to make the literary world that much more transparent, supportive and fun.

Here is the essay at Ecotone Jenn discussed.

Here is the blog post Erik discussed.

Happy viewing!

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