By Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

We work hard on our manuscripts, and when we finally turn them into our publisher, most of us imagine the work will be perfect – or pretty close to perfect. A few weeks later, reality hits.

The editor has learned to practice the cookie method – a compliment squeezed between two pieces of noted improvement, and your heart sinks. There are actual edits to be done. That’s when you have to take a deep breath, tame your defensive mode, and look at your work with different eyes.

I speak from experience because I just finished three consecutive sets of edits on three different books, all due simultaneously. I understand the stress. Being under a deadline of three books forced me to find a way to work through the edits without becoming overwhelmed. I had to take a breath and put together a plan.

First and foremost, your editor is not your enemy. They help you clarify questions, smooth out rough spots and spit-shine your manuscript. Editors are not in the business of destroying your work. And though there will be times you may disagree with your editor, the rule of thumb is to make good notes and then make a phone call. A quick call usually resolves questions, concerns, or disagreements about edits in a jiffy. Develop a good attitude before you begin, and then dig in with these tips to help you work through your edits.

Don’t look ahead

Most editors will send you a letter with their overall thoughts and things they feel you need to look for or address as you work through the manuscript. They will generally attach this along with your manuscript marked using tracking in Microsoft Word. Read the suggestions and then let it sit. Sometimes we need to take in criticism and even compliments and “digest them.” The point is, don’t read ahead. Let it percolate for a few hours, and then make yourself a timeline schedule. I divide the number of chapters by the number of days or weeks to make changes. Then map out how many chapters I will need to work through daily to reach the deadline. For example, I had 43 chapters with a five-week deadline. I mapped out two chapters per day and then worked consistently every day to meet my goal. I was able to check off my completed chapters and feel a sense of accomplishment. Working through a simple schedule makes it easy to work ahead on your list. The great thing is you’ll end up finished sooner than later and fairly stress-free.

Every edit is not a deal breaker

Many edits are subjective. Editors will allow you to change, accept, or even reject some of their changes. Our words are precious to us, and we hate to have them messed with, but the truth is, there are always better ways to say things. Your editor is that set of unbiased eyes. They are your reader, and though there are times you may need to fight for a change, for the most part, editors welcome changes for the better. Learn to loosen your grip and trust their eyes. Discuss major changes and consider the rest improvement. Don’t become an author that editors dread. Be kind. Have a teachable spirit and work together.

Work consistently and methodically

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your work, and avoid asking for an extension unless it is necessary. Remember, yours is not the only book in the pipeline. Work in small bites, and don’t look ahead. Looking ahead can cause you to panic, especially if there are plot changes. Working consistently and in small bites will help you focus on the deadline and clear your mind of frustration and panic.

Your manuscript is important to your editor and publisher. They have invested time and money into trusting you and your work. If you run into issues with an editor, go to your agent. It is the job of your agent to advocate for you, so let them. Take your time and relax. Open up your mind to tweaks that make your manuscript sing. Work together with your editor, and you’ll see an amazing work-in-progress become a beautiful book.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.