Understanding Writer Red Flags: What Editors Avoid in Clients

Not everyone will appreciate this, but part of working with me involves understanding my expectations from writers. This goes beyond craft; it includes mindset and approach. Over the years, I’ve identified specific red flags that indicate whether a project or working relationship will be a good fit. These aren’t personal judgments; they are practical realities that affect the quality of work, the editing process, and ultimately, your success.

Being upfront about what editors avoid in clients helps both of us save time. It ensures that when we collaborate, the process is productive, professional, and results-focused.

Writer Red Flags: What Editors Like Me Avoid in Clients

Some traits consistently make it difficult to work effectively with a writer. Here are the red flags that raise concerns for me:

1. Not Open to Critique / Overly Defensive

   If you struggle to hear constructive feedback or become argumentative over suggested changes, the editorial process can be painful and slow. Editing requires openness and curiosity, not defensiveness.

   
   

2. Not Finishing a Full Draft Before Seeking Big Feedback

   I won’t conduct a developmental edit if you’re still mid-draft. Without a complete manuscript, it’s nearly impossible to evaluate story structure, character arcs, and pacing effectively. Partial drafts often lead to confusion and frustration for both of us.

   
   

3. Relying on Others to Do Your Thinking or Writing

   Editing is a collaboration, not a substitute for your own problem-solving. If you expect your editor to fill in plot holes, write sections, or fix major structural problems entirely for you, you're looking for a ghostwriter, not an editor.

   
   

4. Ignoring Craft Fundamentals

   Structure, character development, pacing, and clarity are essential. While I help elevate your manuscript, I don’t teach basic craft from scratch. If these foundations are missing, your manuscript is not ready for professional editing.

   
   

5. Misaligned Expectations

   Professional editing requires investment — in time, effort, and finances. If you expect a cheap, instant turnaround or aren’t willing to revise according to feedback, we won’t be a good match.

   
   

FYI: I'm known for my direct, honest, and actionable feedback. Let's be honest: that's not for everyone! If you're a writer who prefers a soft touch or significant portions of the feedback to focus on praise, we're probably not a great match. Not because I'm mean or only want to critique you, but because I know you're paying me to help you level up. The feedback I give focuses on where, why, and how to do that, not complimenting the areas you've already nailed down. (I posted about it here!)

Why These Matter

Why am I so strict about this? Because everything on that list directly impacts:

• Quality of the Final Manuscript: If you aren’t open to feedback or haven’t completed a draft, your story may never reach its potential.

• Working Relationship: Defensiveness, unrealistic expectations, or lack of preparation creates tension, slows progress, and can make the editing process unpleasant.

• Turnaround and Revisions: Projects that don’t meet baseline readiness take longer to revise, require more back-and-forth, and often demand repeated, unnecessary rewrites.

  
  

Setting boundaries ensures that every project I take on is positioned for success. It makes our collaboration productive rather than frustrating.

How to Know if You’re Ready

So, how can you tell if you’re ready to work with me? Here’s a checklist to consider:

• Do you have a completed manuscript or a polished draft ready for review?

• Are you open to constructive critique and willing to revise based on feedback?

• Have you invested time in understanding craft fundamentals (structure, character, pacing)?

• Do you have clarity about your goals for the manuscript and realistic expectations for the editing process?

• Are you ready to invest — time, effort, and finances — in getting professional guidance?

  
  

If you answer “no” to any of these, it doesn’t mean your manuscript won’t succeed. It simply means you may benefit from additional prep work before hiring me. This could include self-editing exercises, beta reader feedback, or refining your draft so it’s ready for professional assessment.

One Last Thing...

If you don’t tick every box today, that’s okay! Growth is part of the process. Developing the right habits, mindset, and manuscript readiness will make you a stronger writer and a better partner for an editor. Recognizing what you’re not ready for is the first step toward getting there.

When you are ready, working with an editor can transform your manuscript. For now, take the time to evaluate your readiness, refine your draft, and prepare for a collaboration that elevates your story to its full potential.

Want to chat about your project to see if working together makes sense? Reach out **here!