Victor Editorial House · A note from the margins
Notice deliberate choices
Before standardising a phrase, ask whether its syntax, repetition or idiom is doing emotional work. The unusual choice may be the most truthful one in the paragraph.
Separate friction from character
Some sentences ask the reader to slow down for a reason; others simply get in the way. An editor should be able to explain the distinction, especially when suggesting a substantial change.
Keep the author in control
Tracked suggestions and clear queries let an author compare alternatives. The final sentence should still feel like it belongs to the book, not like a visitor has left a calling card.
These ideas are a starting point, not a diagnosis of your manuscript. The useful question is what your particular readers need from your particular book.