The Pros and Cons of Being an Editor and Author: A Balancing Act
As someone who straddles the worlds of both editor and author, I often get asked what it's like to wear both hats. People imagine that these two roles must complement each other seamlessly, and in many ways, they do. But there are also challenges that come with navigating both sides. In this post, I'll break down the pros and cons of being both an editor and an author — including the sad reality that I can barely read for enjoyment anymore!
The Pros
1. A Deep Understanding of Craft
One of the greatest advantages of being both an editor and author is that each role feeds into and enhances the other. As an author, I have firsthand experience with the writing process—the creative highs, the self-doubt, the intricate plotting, and, of course, the satisfaction of crafting something from scratch. This helps me be a more empathetic editor, knowing exactly what it’s like to be on the other side of the red pen.
On the flip side, my experience as an editor means I approach my own writing with a critical eye. I can catch plot holes, inconsistencies, and pacing issues early on, and I’ve developed an ability to polish my drafts quickly. Essentially, being an editor gives me an extra layer of quality control for my own work.
2. A Front-Row Seat to Emerging Trends
As an editor, I get to work with all kinds of manuscripts across a range of genres. This gives me a bird’s-eye view of what’s trending in the literary world, what agents and publishers are looking for, and what types of stories resonate with readers. It’s like having an inside scoop that I can use to inform my own writing and keep my finger on the pulse of what’s popular.
3. Endless Learning Opportunities
Editing is one of those roles where you’re constantly learning, both from the material you work on and from the writers themselves. Each new manuscript presents an opportunity to study different writing styles, story structures, and character developments. I can take these lessons and apply them to my own projects, making me a stronger writer.
The same goes for being an author. With every draft, I learn more about the art of storytelling, which, in turn, sharpens my editorial instincts. The two roles are always in dialogue, and it’s a fascinating, lifelong learning process.
4. The best part!
The best part for me is working closely with authors every day; they are the nicest people around and many of my clients I now count as friends, even if most of them are virtual! Not wishing to tempt fate, but I have not had ONE bad experience of working with an author yet, and that’s saying something as last year alone I edited over a million words!
The Cons
1. Reading for Enjoyment is a Challenge
Here’s the biggest downside for me: I can’t read for pure enjoyment anymore. Whether it’s a novel I’ve picked up for leisure or a friend’s recommendation, my editor brain is always switched on. I’ll find myself nitpicking over grammatical errors, awkward sentence structures, or inconsistencies in the plot. It's not that I want to critique everything—it’s just second nature at this point!
That means even a book I’m loving will have me mentally restructuring sentences or spotting typos, which can take me out of the story. I miss the days when I could lose myself in a book without analysing every sentence. But once you start editing professionally, it’s hard to turn off that inner critic. Also I’m so tired after a day of editing, that the last thing I want to do is more reading, so I’d rather collapse in front of a trashy YouTube video than reach for a book, and that’s so sad to me as reading used to be one of my biggest pleasures. There really is nothing better than finding a book you really enjoy and look forward to reading at night, but I can’t remember the last time that happened. I hope that enjoyment hasn’t been lost forever…
2. Switching Mindsets Can Be Tricky
Although being both an author and editor is beneficial, it can sometimes feel like juggling two different mindsets. Writing requires creativity, flow, and sometimes a willingness to leave things messy until later drafts. Editing, on the other hand, demands precision, organisation, and an eye for detail. It can be hard to turn off the inner editor while I’m writing—there’s a temptation to perfect every sentence as I go, which can slow down the creative process.
On the flip side, there are times when I’m deep in the editing zone, and my creativity feels stifled. I feel panicky about leaving my own projects on the back burner. It’s a constant balancing act between being meticulous and allowing myself to let go and create freely.
3. Time Management Struggles
Balancing both roles can also be a challenge from a time management perspective. Editing, especially when working with clients, requires focused attention, and it’s easy for this work to consume the bulk of my time. Finding the mental space and energy to switch gears and focus on my own writing can be difficult, particularly when deadlines loom or editorial projects pile up.
While I love the variety that comes with both roles, it can sometimes feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do both jobs justice.
4. Emotional Investment in Every Project
As an editor, I often find myself emotionally invested in the projects I work on. I want my clients’ books to succeed, and I put a lot of energy into helping them achieve their best possible work. But this emotional investment can be exhausting, especially when it’s added on top of the emotional energy I already spend on my own writing. Sometimes, it’s hard to step away and recharge, and burnout can creep in.
Conclusion
Being both an editor and an author is a rewarding but complex experience. On one hand, the two roles complement each other beautifully and help me grow both as a writer and as someone who helps shape the work of others. But it’s not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to enjoying books as a reader or managing the different mindsets needed for each role.
If you’re considering diving into both worlds, just know that it’s a path filled with both creative fulfillment and a fair share of mental gymnastics. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll find a way to switch off the editor brain while reading for fun! But until then, I’ll keep reminding myself that I’m lucky to be doing a job that I love!
