“The road to ignorance is paved with good editors.” —George Bernard Shaw
Eleventh-century French abbot Saint Bernard of Clairvaux once said, "Hell is full of good wishes and desires," and George Bernard Shaw later paraphrased it to, "The road to ignorance is paved with good editors." It sort of says, a trusting author's road to success is to be ignorant of the inner workings of their book. Though this does happen, my process is to uncover the blind spots and bring to the fore what is needed by helping the author discover their strengths and develop their art to tell a great story or reveal a new thought process. I would be doing myself and the author a disservice by not informing them of what their book needs—needs they may have overlooked.
The role of the editor is dual in function. We empower the writer through the editorial process and guide the writer to create something enjoyable for the ‘reader.’ It’s a difficult job, as an editor essentially criticizes one's work. However, when trust and demonstrated sensitivity exists, an editor’s guidance positively transforms the author as a writer.
My advice to writers is not to find yourself on an ignorant road. Challenge yourself and your editor. It will lead you to produce something you are most proud of. Happy writing!