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JUNIOR LEVEL

Have you ever had to deal with a writer who did not agree with your edits? How did you handle the situation?

Editor Interview Questions
Have you ever had to deal with a writer who did not agree with your edits? How did you handle the situation?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have dealt with a writer who did not agree with my edits. In one instance, I was editing an article for a magazine and made several changes to improve clarity and flow. However, the writer disagreed with some of my edits and felt that they altered the tone of the piece. To handle the situation, I scheduled a meeting with the writer to discuss their concerns. During the meeting, I listened carefully to their feedback and explained the reasoning behind my edits. We had an open and productive discussion, finding a middle ground that addressed both their concerns and the editorial guidelines. Ultimately, we were able to reach a mutual agreement and produce a final version of the article that satisfied both parties.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have encountered a situation where a writer disagreed with my edits. I was working as an editor for a publishing company, and while editing a manuscript for a new book, I made several revisions to enhance its readability and coherence. However, the writer strongly disagreed with some of the changes, claiming that they deviated from their intended style and voice. To address the issue, I invited the writer to a face-to-face meeting to discuss their concerns. During the meeting, I carefully listened to their feedback, providing detailed explanations of the reasoning behind each edit. I assured them that my intention was to improve the overall quality of the manuscript and align it with the publishing house's standards. Through open and respectful communication, we were able to find common ground and compromise on certain edits without compromising the author's original intent. In the end, we collaborated on a final version of the manuscript that satisfied both the writer and the publishing house.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive description of how the candidate handled the situation. It includes specific details about their role as an editor, the steps taken to address the writer's concerns, and the collaborative effort to find a solution. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to maintain professionalism and adhere to editorial guidelines while accommodating the writer's preferences. However, it could benefit from further elaboration on the outcome of the situation and the impact it had on the final product.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have faced several instances where writers did not agree with my edits. One notable example was when I worked as a senior editor for a renowned magazine. I received an article from a freelance writer that required substantial revisions to meet the publication's standards. However, the writer strongly disagreed with my suggested changes, claiming that they compromised their unique writing style. To handle the situation, I approached it in a multi-step process. First, I scheduled a phone call with the writer to understand their perspective and build rapport. I actively listened to their concerns, taking detailed notes to ensure I addressed each point during our conversation. Once I comprehended their vision and style, I explained the editorial guidelines and the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the publication. I then proposed a compromise wherein I retained some elements of the original writing style while addressing the publication's requirements. We engaged in a constructive dialogue, exchanging ideas and brainstorming alternative ways to express the writer's voice without sacrificing quality. After numerous discussions and revisions, we successfully reached a consensus, resulting in a final version that embraced the writer's unique style while meeting the magazine's editorial standards. This experience taught me the value of effective communication, adaptability, and finding common ground to achieve a shared goal.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive account of how the candidate handled the situation. It showcases their exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and ability to find creative solutions. The answer demonstrates a deep understanding of the writer's perspective and the publication's requirements, as well as the candidate's commitment to maintaining a high editorial standard while preserving the writer's unique voice. The candidate's ability to navigate challenges and build a collaborative relationship with the writer is particularly impressive. However, it could be further improved by including the impact of the final version on the publication's success or feedback received from readers.

How to prepare for this question

  • 1. Familiarize yourself with different types of editing, such as content editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Understand the responsibilities of an editor and the importance of maintaining a balance between style and clarity.
  • 2. Learn how to effectively communicate and provide constructive feedback. Practice active listening, empathy, and diplomacy, as the role requires working closely with writers who may have different opinions about their work.
  • 3. Familiarize yourself with the publishing industry and its editorial standards. Stay updated on trends and best practices, such as SEO principles and content management systems.
  • 4. Reflect on past experiences where you have dealt with conflicts or disagreements. Consider the strategies you utilized to resolve them and the lessons you learned from those experiences.
  • 5. Practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss specific examples where you have successfully resolved conflicts while maintaining a positive working relationship with others.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Attention to Detail

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