Saturday, July 26, 2008

Let the editor beware

Some writers are more sensitive than others.

Giles Coren was - um - very cross when someone removed the word 'a' from a review he'd written.

Yes, very cross indeed. See here for a copy of the letter he sent to complain.

See? Now that's what I call cross ...

(Thanks to Tommy at Toasting Napoleon for the link.)

9 comments:

Sharon J said...

Yes, indeed. Very cross.

I've often wondered why editors feel it's perfectly acceptable to change written work whereas nobody would think to 'touch up' a painting, for example. Surely art is art?

Unknown said...

Goodness! I'd hate to see him really, really, really angry...

Debi said...

I sort of agree but ... blimey, he really IS cross, isn't he?

Debi said...

Oooh Babs - you popped in here while I was doing my comment. Imagine if the word deleted had more than one letter ...

Sharon J said...

Well he did go off the deep end somewhat but sometimes that's the only way to get somebody to sit up and listen.

Like Babs, I wouldn't want to meet him when he's really, really angry. Can you imagine what would happen if somebody spilt coffee on his copy?

Anonymous said...

Good old male ego. At least we can always count on that! Maybe one day, when he's a grown up, he'll get over himself.
I'd say not so much 'sensitive' Debi.. arrogant maybe? self obsessed? plonker...?
Joan

Debi said...

I was chatting yesterday to a professional who does the edits on articles by the likes of Mr C.

Her take on his response was that it was
a) ridiculous and made him look like a fool
b) he should be forced to spend a day working in her dept
c) space IS an issue and the removal of a single letter really can make the difference between copy fitting or not
d) It's a review for crying out loud - not a poem where every syllable really does count
e) Some of the copy she receives is in the most appalling state and couldn't possibly go out without changes
f) GC is an egocentric, arrogant bully

Now, let's get her in the same room as him ...
Ding, ding ... seconds out ...

Sharon J said...

Now you've made me giggle with your ding-ding thing.

Debi said...

Would be more of a ding dong, eh, Sharon?