I'm sure you're a good editor. As you said, some people expect miracles, and you can't exactly rewite the thing for them. She's probably just a freaked out grad student who can't get her shit together on time and who really wants to finish, who is looking for someone to blame.

Do you give your clients a copy with "track changes" on it to show them what you've done? I could easily see someone reading your changes and forgetting that they're YOURS because it sounds so better after you've worked on it.
Sydney | Homepage | 11.15.06 - 1:19 pm | #

Thanks, Sydney. Actually, I do give clients a copy that shows changes and a "final" (ready to give to advisor) copy, and ask that they check out the "track changes" copy to see what I actually did. For the paper I mentioned in my post, I had to check many foreign names and historical events, in addition to the usual language schtuff, as the topic was the life of a women's rights activist in Turkey -- and many of the names were spelled differently throughout the work. I don't mind that kind of thing, but it does take time and I suspect the student doesn't realize how inconsistent her spelling was. I sent her a reply; if the whole thing is still an issue for her, I'll explain in great detail what I did. I kind of see my work as comparable to music in movies -- if it's good, it's smooth and not terribly noticeable. Know what I mean?
Beth | Homepage | 11.15.06 - 3:02 pm | #

That's the kind of stuff that takes all the fun out of a job.

You have way more experience with this then she does so follow your gut.
Debbie | Homepage | 11.16.06 - 1:13 pm | #

Eh. Don't lose sleep over it. That's just the lot as an editor; every now and then you get one you can't please.
PK | Homepage | 11.17.06 - 2:22 am | #

Boy does this strike a note.

Been there, done that, and with my luck will do it again soon with the next paper I edit.

I always tell my clients I'm an editor, not a miracle worker...
Redneck mommy | Homepage | 11.18.06 - 1:10 pm | #