The first time I had to deliver difficult feedback to a fiction author was on a fantasy manuscript, brimming with imagination but bogged down by clunky prose and plot holes. I spent hours deliberating over how to approach my critique, torn between honouring the author’s vision and fulfilling my duty to help the story shine.

As editors, we often face this conundrum: don’t just refine the text but shape someone’s creative dream. I found a way through, and I hope my experience helps set the tone for how you approach fiction editing: thoughtfully, delicately and always with the author’s emotions in mind.

The delicate balance of fiction editing

A manuscript is a part of its author’s identity, so when an editor critiques it, they’re commenting not just on the work but, in a way, on the author as a writer. This is why authors can be sensitive to feedback, even when it’s well intentioned. They’re often not just worried about flaws in their book; they’re anxious about whether they’re ‘good enough’ to tell their story.

That’s why fiction editing is intimate. It’s not only about fixing commas or word choices but also about helping to shape storytelling. This requires deep trust between editor and author, which is built over time. However, early on, that trust grows through mutual understanding, constructive feedback, and a collaborative spirit that supports the author’s growth.

Building trust with the author

Before diving into edits, I take time to understand the author’s goals. What do they think needs work? What is their favourite moment in the story and why? What message are they trying to convey? Knowing the heart of the manuscript guides my feedback.

I once worked with Esther on her historical fiction that had promise but needed substantial revisions. Before starting, we had a 30-minute call about her goals and how the story came about. I learned that it was deeply personal, inspired by her struggles with self-image. This gave me the context to approach the critique with sensitivity. I wasn’t just working on her story; I was handling her heart.

As editors, while we have the technical skills to strengthen a manuscript, the author holds the emotional blueprint. Respecting that makes for a far more productive and harmonious partnership, allowing us to build trust with our authors.

Delivering constructive criticism positively

Trust grows when an editor’s feedback is both honest and encouraging. It’s not just about identifying issues but also about reinforcing what the author is doing well, particularly when significant suggestions to come may overwhelm the author.

In my feedback on my first round of edits for Esther, I started with her strengths: she had well-built characters and an emotionally resonant atmosphere. This wasn’t flattery; it was genuine. Authors need to know that their work has merit, even when there’s room for improvement.

After highlighting the positives, I introduced areas that needed work. Instead of saying, ‘This plot doesn’t work,’ I framed it as, ‘I wonder if this section might have more impact if we restructured it this way.’ Using ‘we’ signals your partnership, not that you are an authority making demands.

I also break feedback into three manageable chunks: macro edits (big-picture elements like plot and pacing), micro edits (line-level issues like prose and dialogue), and final polish (grammar and punctuation). This helps the author avoid that dreaded overwhelm.

The power of collaboration

Fiction editing thrives on collaboration. Instead of imposing changes, I use the word ‘suggestions’. Authors need to maintain agency over their work, and this framing preserves their creative autonomy.

A subplot of Esther’s felt out of place, so I asked, ‘How does this subplot support the main arc? Could it be deepened, or would the story be stronger with a different character driving it?’ These questions opened a dialogue between me and Esther, and together, we built up that subplot.

Authors often come back with unexpected solutions, and that’s the beauty of collaboration. Giving them the space to think critically about their own work often leads to revisions far better than what we initially suggested.

Foster growth to build confidence

As fiction editors, our role goes beyond line edits and plot revisions. We are mentors, partners, and sometimes even amateur counsellors. A successful fiction edit means the author felt guided through the process in a way that encouraged them and built their confidence.

So, while your author works through your suggestions, check in on them now and then. A simple ‘I believe in this story’ can make all the difference, keeping them motivated.

The emotional side of fiction editing is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Every manuscript is a new world, and every author brings their own unique emotional landscape to the table. Helping them refine their stories while respecting their creative process makes fiction editing a fulfilling – and, at times, challenging – profession.

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