"Editing is the same as quarrelling with writers - same thing exactly"

Harold Ross, the creator of The New Yorker publication, was known for his wit and knowledge. In this quote, he is comparing the process of editing to quarrelling with authors. He is suggesting that editing is a difficult procedure, which it can be just as difficult as arguing with writers. He suggests that it is a necessary part of the writing procedure, and that it is essential to be able to disagree with writers in order to make their work better. Ross is likewise recommending that editing is a kind of positive criticism, and that it is essential to be able to disagree with writers in order to help them improve their work. By comparing editing to quarrelling, Ross is highlighting the value of being able to disagree with writers in order to make their work much better. He is likewise recommending that it is very important to be able to have an useful dialogue with writers in order to assist them enhance their work.