It's a Matter of Trust
Turning your work over to an editor involves a great deal of trust. You’ve devoted months, if not years, to preparing a manuscript that reflects your very soul, and now someone wants to tear it apart with a red pen. Is that really necessary? (For the answer to that question, see Why Hire an Editor?)
As a published writer, I understand. It’s not easy letting someone else make changes to your work. That’s why I always read a new manuscript with a view to hearing the author’s voice — the words and phrases that are yours alone, that lend personality and color to your work.
And it’s your voice that I strive to keep intact. I know I’ve done a good job if the writer, on first reading the edited manuscript, thinks I’ve done little to change it (when in fact the paper is covered with red marks!). I’ve kept the unique voice, and the focus remains unchanged, but the work is now structured well and presented clearly and unambiguously.
You must also trust that the editor won’t turn around and plagiarize your writing. I like to establish some personal contact at the beginning of discussions with a prospective client, via e-mail or telephone. By understanding my role, writers’ concerns are soon put to rest. (And I’ll formalize this in a written contract, specifying that the work belongs solely to its author.)
Trust that I will make your writing the best it can be.