Skip to content

One rule of the road not directly stated elsewhere in this…

“One rule of the road not directly stated elsewhere in this book: 'The editor is always right.' The corollary is that no writer will take all of his or her editor’s advice; for all have sinned and fallen short of editorial perfection.” quote by Stephen King
Download Open image
““One rule of the road not directly stated elsewhere in this book: 'The editor is always right.' The corollary is that no writer will take all of his or her editor’s advice; for all have sinned and fallen short of editorial perfection.””

Stephen King

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Editorial authority is a guiding principle, yet writers must balance it with their own judgment because editors are fallible.

In simple terms: Editors guide, but writers must decide.

Key Takeaway

Balance editorial advice with personal voice.

Themes

authority collaboration imperfection creative autonomy decision-making

Mood

pragmatic reflective instructive

Type

advice observation maxim

When to use this quote

  • manuscript revision
  • publishing workflow
  • author-editor meetings
  • self-editing sessions

Key Concepts

editorial process authorial agency quality control

Practical Applications

  • guidelines for editorial feedback
  • training for writers on critical evaluation of edits

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should a writer accept an editor's suggestion?
  • How can editors acknowledge their own limitations?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Stephen King

Explore all 3,589 Stephen King quotes

More Books quotes

Browse all 59,485 Books quotes