It has been our experience that American houses insist on very comprehensive editing; that English houses as a rule require little or none and are inclined to go along with the author's script almost without query. The Canadian practice is just what you would expect--a middle-of-the-road course. We think the Americans edit too heavily and interfere with the author's rights. We think that the English publishers don't take enough editorial responsibility. Naturally, then, we consider our editing to be just about perfect. There's no doubt about it, we Canadians are a superior breed! (in a letter to author Margaret Laurence, dated May, 1960) . Jack McClelland
About This Quote

When Margaret Laurence said, "It has been our experience that American houses insist on very comprehensive editing; that English houses as a rule require little or none and are inclined to go along with the author's script almost without query. The Canadian practice is just what you would expect--a middle-of-the-road course. We think the Americans edit too heavily and interfere with the author's rights. We think that the English publishers don't take enough editorial responsibility.

Naturally, then, we consider our editing to be just about perfect. There's no doubt about it, we Canadians are a superior breed!" she was speaking of her relationship with her publisher, McClelland & Stewart. Ms.

Laurence wrote in the letter that she had worked with them for 18 years and had never heard of any problems with interference or censorship.

Source: Imagining Canadian Literature: The Selected Letters

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