Can do Quote by Fran Lebowitz
“In a print interview, as you may or may not know, they [editors] can do whatever they want. And they do. This is why most people are more hesitant to do print, because they can change it, and they do change it. They even change things that are in quotation marks, which is a pet peeve of mine. I've said to numerous reporters, "Would you read me back my direct quotes?" And they always say no. They always say that's against the policy.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Publishing Industry Commentary, 2020
Editors have broad authority to modify text, even quotes, often resisting requests to verify original wording.
In simple terms: Editors can change text, including quotes, and may deny verification.
Demand transparency from editors.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- academic publishing
- interview preparation
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do editors resist quote verification?
- How can readers ensure accuracy?
May not account for legitimate editorial standards.