Understanding the Editorial Process

The transcript discusses the editorial process at the Paris Review, highlighting the large volume of submissions received and the role of the editor in shaping stories for publication. It contrasts the logical nature of editing with the creative process of writing, emphasizing the different mental approaches required for each. The speaker explains that editing fiction and non-fiction involves similar principles, such as continuity and consistency, but applied differently. In writing, the focus is on creativity, with initial drafts often being nonsensical before being refined through editing.

What is the primary task of the speaker at the Paris Review?

• Designing book covers

• Organizing events

• Reading and selecting stories for publication

• Writing new stories

What happens when a story is selected for publication?

• It is archived for future reference

• It is sent back to the author for rewriting

• It undergoes editorial work for potential improvements

• It is published without changes

How does the speaker describe the mental process of editing?

• As a creative and free-flowing activity

• As a collaborative and social endeavor

• As a logical and structured process

• As a spontaneous and unpredictable task

What are some common issues addressed in both fiction and non-fiction editing?

• Dialogue and setting

• Continuity and consistency

• Theme and symbolism

• Character development and plot twists

How does the speaker approach the writing process?

• By collaborating with other writers

• By following a strict outline

• By writing freely and editing later

• By editing each sentence immediately