If I had a nickle for every time I have been asked this question…
After discussing it with a friend of mine, I made this point: “an Editor is like special effects in a movie; if you’re doing your job right, no one should be noticing”. After thinking more about it today, I have also realized that being an editor can also be akin to being a CEO. It doesn’t matter who screws up, it’s ultimately your responsibilty for the success and the failure of the people you are responsible for.
An editor has plenty of roles to play in the production of the book. They are the cheerleader, motivating their team when at times is can seem difficult to complete the project. They are also the secretary, making sure that everyone is communicating properly and that everyone has what they need to complete their assignments.
Unfortunately they also have to be the drill sergeant, making sure that everyone is hitting their deadlines. This is probably my least favorite part of the job as it can put an editor in an awkward position. I enjoy the people I work with, and friendships are also built between us, but at the same time I am also there to represent the interests of the company, and, just because we are friends, I can’t overlook the fact that your work is not coming in on time or up to par. My neck/job is on the line, and it reflects poorly on me when you aren’t pulling your weight. Making comics is an assembly line production; a delay further up the line is going to cause domino effects further down the line. A small delay at the beginning can spiral into a week or two delay by the end, and a delay can mean reduced sales as readers get tired of waiting. Word also gets around about people who can’t cut it in a deadline oriented industry. You DO NOT want to end up on this list. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver, and deliver what you promised.
Another job I have had in the past as an editor is a talent scout/appraiser. I am always looking at peoples’ porfolios to see what they are doing and how they are improving. It can be quite interesting to see the progress they made.
I am looking forward to seeing more pitches, and I have enjoyed what I have read so far. There are some that require more work, but if you want it bad enough, you should be willing to put the time and effort in.
Cheers
j
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