At what point does an author deal with an editor?

Question

I'm just wondering: at which point do you have to deal with the editor, and what are the (possible) consequences? That is, when is the editor's involvement greatest? After or before a deal?I'd suspect after, since before something is agreed upon, it would mean cost for the publisher who pays the editor's wage without any benefit, not even the *potential* benefit of making money from selling the book (potential because you can never be *sure* something sells, at least not with an unknown author)But what "recourse" do you have then? The contract is signed... what could or does usually (as per said contract) happen if you don't agree to some or all of the editor's (proposed) changes?I have googled (yes, just now) and haven't found much.

Answer 1

Hi Laurence:

As a published author myself, I highly recommend that you hire your own editor to look over your manuscript before you submit it for publication. I learned the hard way that if you depend on the publisher's editors, it does not guarantee an error-free book. Although I don't know whether any book is totally error-free, ideally you start by not wanting to have any. It gave me some consolation to discover that Steven's King's books are loaded with typos. Since I am not and never will be of his caliber, I would have preferred not getting away with any errors in my book at all. I had five typos in 200 pages........not too bad but zero would have been better.

I hope this helps!