Lots of writers can be very nervous about people stealing their ideas and selling them as their own. Many especially tend to be worried about this when sending their work to editors, and I often get asked how authors can trust that I won’t steal their ideas.
If you’re wondering this as well, rest assured. There are many reasons I can’t and won’t ever steal your ideas.
First, anything you write is copyrighted from the second it hits the page.
Even if you haven’t purchased legal copyright for your book yet before you send it to me, or if you’re not planning on buying it at all, your writing is covered. The copyright belongs to you and only you. That means that when you send it to me, I legally cannot take your book and try to sell it as my own. And in the rare case that anyone tries to, you have legal grounds to stop them from selling it and to require compensation for any income they may have lost you.
Second, I have my own ideas.
If copyright isn’t enough assurance for you, I won’t steal your ideas because I already have more than enough of my own. Because I’m also a writer, I’m already working on writing things I’m passionate about. I don’t have time to write my own things and steal your ideas and try to market them. I do have time to show you where the writing could be improved and help you maximize the potential in your own ideas.
Third, my whole goal is to support you as an author.
I got into editing because I learned that I loved perfecting novels, and I wanted to support other authors in their journeys by sharing all my hard-earned knowledge with them. My whole goal is to help you be successful in whatever genre you choose to write, and it would be counter to my goal to rob success from you by stealing your ideas.
Fourth, my success as an editor comes from your success as an author.
Along with the ideas from the last point, the more successful you are as an author, the more I’m validated in providing editing services to other authors. Since you can’t be successful in publishing without a book to publish, I’ll protect your work and do everything in my power to help you reach your potential as an author through my edits.
While it’s understandable to be protective of your hard work, it will always be safe in my hands and in the hands of many of the editors I know. And if you’re still worried, you can always ask for an addition to the contract you sign before every project with me saying that I am legally not allowed to sell your novel or share any part of it with others. As we work together, we can find ways to help you feel comfortable with the process.
As I’ve said, my goal is for you to be successful as an author. I’m here to help and guide you through your writing journey, and as you trust me and my work, we can work together to help you achieve your writing potential.