When something you write actually DOES get accepted, cooperate with your editor. Don’t argue.

It’s okay to disagree as long as you have a good, non-emotional, reason for differing with your editor. Too many people fall in love with their own words. As a result, you may resent changes from outside. But realize that your editor’s job is to make your work more salable and to help you polish a FEW rough spots (most of the polishing should already be done — by you).

The hardest thing you’re likely to experience will be if your editor wants to cut parts out of your child. Just remember that even War and Peace was much longer in manuscript form than the final version that was published. Same for Gone with the Wind. Improvement often comes, not from what you put in, but what you cut out.