You have to give an editor something to change, or he gets…
“You have to give an editor something to change, or he gets fretful. After he pees in it, he likes the flavor better, so he buys it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Editors need something to edit; once they alter a work, they become attached to it.
In simple terms: Editors need a target to edit; they then favor their changes.
Key Takeaway
Provide clear guidance to editors.
Themes
writing
editing
creativity
control
process
Mood
pragmatic
humorous
Type
creative
process
When to use this quote
- publishing
- content creation
- collaborative projects
- revision cycles
Key Concepts
author‑editor dynamics
feedback loops
ownership
Questions to Reflect On
- How much control should an author retain?
- When does editing become domination?
A Different Perspective
Editors may over‑personalize changes, reducing objectivity.