Types of authors, an editor’s guide - by Lord Of The Rings characters.

Orcs, or more specifically, AI orcs. These are authors focused entirely on volume, not quality. They are only interested in the sheer weight of numbers, like the orcs from the LOTRs stories and achieve volume by heavily relying on AI. The specific danger they pose to an editor is that they may ask an unsuspecting editor to work on a manuscript and then not pay. Simply because they are trying to produce as much as possible, but at the absolute minimum cost.

The second type of author an editor should avoid is a Gollum; they have probably written only one manuscript, they may never write another and have probably worked on it for years, if not decades. The reason for avoiding this type of author is that to them, their manuscript is PRECIOUS! Even assuming they trust you with it, if you suggest moving so much as a comma from there and back again. (If you see what I did there) They’re likely to try to throw you into a volcano.

This brings us to the 3rd type, this is a Hobbit, this type of author is the best for an editor to work with, they aren’t flamboyant, they may take small steps, but consistently make steady progress. They may be introverted and quiet, but they are humble enough to accept the editor's feedback, rather than turning into a fire-breathing dragon at every suggestion. They may be obsessed with food and have hairy feet, but they’re the best author for an editor to work with.

So, what type of author am I, you ask? Well, I’m a Gimli, I’m grumpy, sarcastic and dangerous with an axe!!

What type of author are you?