Editor vs Publisher ??

[Sharon Ihrig]

How does an editor differ from a publisher? I've written my manuscript and sent out close to 30 query letters and I've been close to this market almost 20 years but I can't remember the difference. Please forgive this bad question.

[web master]

An editor evaluates a submission's merit and marketability and also edits the manuscript itself. (Though there are different editors for various assignments at times) Usually an editor will decide on behalf of the publisher (or the publishing company) whether a manuscript is viable. If it's a very small, privately owned publishing company, I guess a publisher would actually be the one to consult. But for the most part you'll never meet the "publisher" of a big company, and will deal with the editor.