They work to make a writer's point clear, and to make the writer's article interesting. They do not attempt to affect the outlook expressed in an article. Writers are flexible towards Editor's suggestions. Writers have the final say over their articles. They have the freedom, if they do not like their Editor's suggestions or do not want to change their article, to withdraw their work from the paper.
Editors have the final say over what goes in the paper.
They can decide not to run a piece if they are not satisfied with the way it is turning out. They may demand specific changes as conditions to publish an article. No Editor will ever make a change to an article and then allow it to be published without getting the writer's approval for it first. Section Editors work with new writers to build up their journalistic skills and to give them an idea of the kinds of articles the Fed prints. Gradually, as a writer demonstrates that they know how to be a self-starter and that they work well with their editor and deadline, they will get more freedom.