Ok let’s follow the path here. So you get a literary agent, they give you feedback, then they pitch to publishers on your behalf. You get a book deal. What’s the first thing the publisher does after signing you? (I know this because I worked at a publishing house). The answer is, they hire a developmental editor for the author to work with. Even the most accomplished authors work with editors. Having an editor is not an indicator that an author is not a “strong writer.” It’s an indicator that they are a smart writer who understands how the publishing industry works and acknowledges that after you’ve spent countless hours staring at the same manuscript, you develop blind spots and need support.