Course Quote by Robert Gottlieb
“As an editor, I have to be tactful, of course.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times Book Review, 1995
An editor must balance honesty with sensitivity, delivering criticism in a considerate manner.
In simple terms: Editors need to be kind while giving feedback.
Key Takeaway
Speak truthfully but gently.
Themes
communication
editorial
empathy
Mood
thoughtful
professional
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- manuscript review
- author meetings
- feedback sessions
Key Concepts
editing ethics
professionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure honesty without harming morale?
- When is tact insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Overly soft feedback may fail to correct serious issues.
![“The worst of having so much tact was that you never quite knew whether other people were acting naturally or being tactful too. [The human element]” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f61/w-somerset-maugham-237_acting_the-worst-of-having-so-much-tact-was-tha_1198360.jpg)
