Editor pushback – and why it can be a good thing

When you work with an editor, there will be times when you overrule their recommendations. This is normal. Not all edits will resonate, and some may be stylistic preferences you want to retain.

Editors often accept these cheerfully and move on. However, an edit is sometimes necessary to avoid confusion, loss of credibility or even defamation, in which case editors will push back. In other words, they’ll challenge the author and ask them to reconsider their choice.

But what does this look like, and is pushback a good thing?

Here, I’ll explain what pushback is, why editors do it and how it can be beneficial for your writing (even if your first instinct is to reject it!).

What is editor pushback?

Editor pushback can look different depending on the service, the editor’s style and the needs of the author. If the editor is submitting a file with Track Changes and no further intervention is required, they may not know what has been accepted or rejected, so pushback isn’t an issue.

But if the editor is liaising closely with the author and reviewing multiple passes, they’ll know how the author has responded to their edits. And if a specific correction is rejected, the editor may add a further comment, perhaps explaining the reason for the correction in more detail – and why it should be reconsidered. Alternatively, they may discuss the issue in an email or over a video/phone call.

Why editors push back

So why do editors push back? Aren’t edits just recommendations that the author can accept or reject as they see fit? Well, yes and no. While authors usually have the final say, they can be too close to the content, or lack an understanding of grammar and publishing practices. As a result, they may not know if an edit is necessary or not. (For more on this topic, check out What editors see that writers often miss.)

An editor, on the other hand, is trained to prioritise the reader, and they can see issues you can't. Here are some examples:

• Spelling or grammar errors that can erode credibility.

• Gaps in the book’s argument that could confuse readers.

• Lack of differentiation that could make your book sink without a trace.

• Language that isn’t aligned with your target audience.

• Writing that doesn’t align with local style guides.

• A shift in tone or voice that doesn’t match the rest of the book.

• Language that is robotic due to the use of generative AI.

• Bias, non-inclusive language or legal issues that could alienate readers or land you in hot water.

• Factual inaccuracies that could mislead or cause damage.

What are the costs of no pushback?

Editors could easily let these things slide to please the author. In fact, many do. It takes confidence to challenge the author’s decision. Editors have to be sure of their craft and how an error could, in a low-stakes situation, lose readers or, in a high-stakes situation, undermine or damage the author’s (or even the publisher's) reputation.

While it can feel like the editor is challenging you, what they’re really doing is challenging the work. They’re just as invested in making your book the best version it can be. It’s professional pride, really. They don’t want to walk away from a project without knowing that they’ve made it as compelling and as reader-friendly as possible.

In some cases, editors who work with publishers are briefed to address specific issues. In these cases, pushback is about meeting the publisher’s needs. For example, if the publisher wants the editor to reduce the word count, this is usually non-negotiable and informed by the publisher’s financial imperatives and knowledge of the market. If the author disagrees, this is usually taken up with the publisher.

Editor pushback: A case study

A while back, I worked on a non-fiction book that was otherwise well written, but some sections were clearly assisted by generative AI. I could see all the tell-tale signs (rule of threes, overuse of en dashes and a fondness for contrast framing).

I raised it in my author letter without naming AI; I just flagged overused constructions and posited fixes in the manuscript. Initially, the author was resistant, but when I stated my case more clearly (readers are savvy and may dismiss those sections as slop), they made some changes.

Note: If you use generative AI and think you’ll fly under the radar, think again. In March 2026, a horror novel was cancelled due to suspected AI use. Remember: readers can be unforgiving. All it takes is for a Goodreads or BookTok post to go viral to damage your reputation, sometimes irreparably.

Good pushback vs bad pushback

Of course, not all pushback is good. Some editors, depending on their experience or temperament, can approach this in a way that is clumsy or aggressive. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Good pushback: specific, gentle, reasoned, tied to the reader experience

• Bad pushback: vague, brusque, prescriptive, subjective

Ultimately, any pushback should be about serving the reader and the greater goals of the book. If it doesn’t, then it’s just opinion, lack of experience or frustrated creative ambition. Also, good editors only push back on a small number of issues, if any. So when they do, you know it’s important!

How authors can respond

While pushback can be confronting, here’s how to respond:

• Pause before reacting; the editor may have a point.

• Consider the underlying issue, not just the suggestion. Editors are always looking at the big picture.

• Ask clarifying questions to understand their reasoning.

• Treat edits as suggestions, not directives; you can still reject the edit despite pushback.

Note: If you reject a recommendation after editor pushback, keep in mind that it could get flagged in reviews, and that misleading/biased/defamatory content coul tarnish your reputation.

Takeaways: Editor pushback – and why it’s a good thing

During the editing process, you’re likely to get editor pushback on some editorial decisions. And while you’re welcome to reject them, don’t rule them out too quickly. After all, it’s hard to be objective about your own writing, and you may not realise that a jargon-laden sentence is hard to read, or that a cultural stereotype could offend readers. Consider each pushback carefully and make an informed decision that prioritises the reader’s needs, not your own.  

Got a manuscript ready for editing? Get in touch through my contact form or request a sample edit.