Quote by TS (Thomas Stearns) Eliot
An editor should tell the author his writing is better than it is. Not a lot better, a little better.
Summary
This quote suggests that an editor should provide feedback to the author that is slightly more positive than the actual quality of their writing. Instead of exaggerating the improvement, the suggested approach is to offer gentle encouragement. By offering a slightly inflated assessment, the editor aims to motivate and inspire the writer to continue refining their work, without overwhelming them with criticism. It emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback in nurturing the author's skills and confidence.