OMG!!! My Editor Is Leaving!!!

So, let's talk about something that will happen to a lot of authors out there. You have this editor that is your lifeline to sanity. She has been the person who has held your hand through all of the tough times. You shared drinks with her at conferences. She probably knows all about your and your family life... and then you find out that she is leaving. Now what!

First of all, understand that editor changes happen a lot more than you would think. Editors get new jobs (like we all do). Editors may also move to a different line, retire and so forth. Along the same lines, there may be a stragegic move for your career that creates the change in editor. Regardless of the reason, there is no need to panic over this. Editors reading this - help me out with this. I think if they hear it from you, they might appreciate this even more.

So, what are we going to do...

First of all, go and have that drink and run around the house screaming like a chicken with your head cut off. If it will make you feel better so we can talk rationally, then get this out of your system.

Now to the important things to remember.

Will there be changes with how the editors do things? Yes, that is a given but it does not mean the end of the world. One editor may have been more hands on than the other, but you can still function.

Will there be a time of adjustment? Sure, but surprisingly there will be less time in this process than you image. The odds are there was a lot of consideration when it came to the editorial move and your best interests were taken into consideration.

But this editor doesn't know my work? Ahh, that is a big misconception. Remember that these editors are not working in isolation from one another. They work together on a lot of projects. In fact, your new editor has probably been a "behind the scenes" support for your writing all along.

Will this change when my books come out? Nope! Again, all of the editors get together and plot out a calendar for release dates. If you are in the books, then you are fine.

But will my new editor love me as much as my last editor? O.K. this is purely subjective and you know that when you ask this question. Still, the other editors didn't do this because they hate you. The move was for logistic purposes. It may take some time to get into the groove of things, but don't worry and don't give up.

What about all of my notes I got from the last editor on my project? Again, remember that your story has been through several different readers so they are all on board with the comments. These notes are in their data bases and they do share the work with each other.

I think the one thing you should understand is that there will be a bit of traumatic stress when this happens the first time. Don't worry though. Things will be fine.