Effort Quote by Hanya Yanagihara
“Much of an editor's job is in fact pretty nanny-like in nature: in many ways, you're there to protect and defend, to reassure and clean up. What I ask from writers is respect. I want them to respect me enough to turn in a clean draft. I want that draft to be as good as they can make it. I want to feel the thought behind those words. And I want it to be turned in on time. It drives me wild when I get a story that's obviously slapped together, and the same can be said for a manuscript; you should respect your reader enough to give her something that reflects your best efforts.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2020
An editor's role is to safeguard quality, demanding respect and timely, polished drafts from writers.
In simple terms: Editors protect quality and expect respect and punctuality.
Demand respect and timely drafts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- publishing deadlines
- manuscript revisions
- writer accountability
- editor‑writer collaboration
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can editors foster mutual respect?
- What processes ensure timely, high‑quality drafts?
Writers may resist feedback, causing tension.