Books Quote by Jack McClelland
““It has been our experience that American houses insist on very comprehensive editing; that English houses as a rule require little or none and are inclined to go along with the author's script almost without query. The Canadian practice is just what you would expect--a middle-of-the-road course. We think the Americans edit too heavily and interfere with the author's rights. We think that the English publishers don't take enough editorial responsibility. Naturally, then, we consider our editing to be just about perfect. There's no doubt about it, we Canadians are a superior breed! (in a letter to author Margaret Laurence, dated May, 1960)””
About This Quote
Source Letter to Margaret Laurence, May 1960
The author critiques differing editorial standards across countries, humorously claiming Canadian superiority.
In simple terms: Different nations edit books differently; Canadians think theirs is best.
Key Takeaway
Consider cultural biases in publishing practices.
Themes
editing standards
national identity
literary criticism
humor
bias
Mood
critical
light‑hearted
analytical
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- publishing industry
- literary criticism
- cross‑cultural communication
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
authorial rights
publishing norms
Questions to Reflect On
- Do editorial standards reflect cultural values?
- How can editors balance author rights with quality?
A Different Perspective
The claim of superiority may overlook valuable practices elsewhere.
