Let’s say your editor wants you to slice a scene from your young adult novel. How should you respond? Your response should be based on one factor. Does the scene contain the Hot Guy in the story? If it does not, you should consider her suggestion and probably make the change. Because, yes, editorial input by and large makes a story better.

But what if she wants you to cut a scene with a hot guy in it?

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In this case, remember you always know better than your editor. You, after all, are only thinking of the readers and how much they will enjoy the scenes with Hot Guy, especially when Hot Guy kisses Main Girl. I mean, no one wants less scenes with Hot Guy.

BUT…you can’t let editor know that! You can’t just shriek, “I can’t cut that scene! It has Hot Guy in it!” Even though your heart is racing and that’s all you’re thinking.

Be strategic, my fellow writers. Come up with a reason why the scene is necessary. “Well, Debbie, I feel strongly that this scene advances the main character’s emotional arc.” Or, “I understand, Debbie, but this scene is critical to showing how main character now views the world around her.” Even something like, “I actually considered cutting it too, but without it, I think we’re missing a key component of main character’s reaction to the final conflict.”

In a word — lie.

Or better yet, when you write back and explain your reasons, think of it as telling another story. A story you tell your editor to save the Hot Guy.