So, who is this person with whom you have to reconcile yourself and your work?

The Development Editor (DE).

Many areas may be addressed by your DE who can take a very active or minor role. Their involvement could include a report from someone you'll never meet face to face. Or it could involve line editing and annotated comments by a person you see and speak with often.

Areas DE's may weigh in on include the consistency of your voice, competitor's books or suggestions on chapter structure and supplements.

Tension may occur in what you may view as unrealistic expectations regarding your deadlines or what the DE may see as your unwillingness to accept constructive criticism.

What worked for me when I went through the publishing process was:

• Keeping in mind that the editor knew her business—the business of publishing—I didn't. Grounded in that thought helped thicken my skin and accept their thoughts (Even a title change!)
• Using them to my benefit. I let my editor know my weaknesses. That way, they filled those gaps.

In the end, they made my book better. And that's what I wanted.

The DE works on behalf of your publisher and customers—reconciling your book to their needs. Listen to understand, then to be understood. It will help your work.