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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…” quote by Hanya Yanagihara
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“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.”

Hanya Yanagihara

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.

Key Takeaway

Demand respect and timely drafts.

Themes

editorial standards respect timeliness

Mood

professional determined

Type

advice instructional

When to use this quote

  • publishing deadlines
  • manuscript revisions
  • writer accountability
  • editor‑writer collaboration

Key Concepts

quality control author‑editor dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can editors foster mutual respect?
  • What processes ensure timely, high‑quality drafts?
A Different Perspective

Writers may resist feedback, causing tension.

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