Most of what I ran across as I gathered information for this topic was in regard to final content of a text prior to publishing such as a book, newspaper or magazine.
Editors typically do the following: Read content and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. In other words, they look for and correct mistakes. Rewrite text to make it easier for readers to understand. Verify facts cited in material for publication. Evaluate submissions from writers to decide what to publish.
These steps would be especially necessary in regard to newspapers or magazines since the reading public especially expects correct information in these two sources.
But what are the different types of editors?
- Developmental editor: Focuses on the big picture, including plot, character, and overall structure.
- Line editor: Works on a line-by-line basis to improve clarity, flow, and style.
- Copy editor: Corrects mechanical errors such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Proofreader: Performs a final check for any last errors before publication.
- What I found interesting about this list of things that are done is that I get involved with all the elements of the above editors to an extent, so I guess that I am an editor with a capital E. Maybe?
So, what is the real purpose of an editor?
An editor improves the quality of written material by ensuring content is clear, accurate, and consistent. This involves a wide range of tasks, such as revising text for clarity and style, correcting grammar and spelling errors, verifying facts, and working with writers to develop ideas and structure. They also manage projects to meet deadlines and may be involved in the final publication, including layout and design.
What are the main responsibilities of an editor?
- Content and structure:
Reviewing the overall quality of a piece by providing feedback on plot, character development, and structure, and making suggestions for improvement.
- Grammar and style:
Correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and ensuring consistency with style guidelines. For my own reading enjoyment, these are things that I pick up on when reading anything. Misspellings, lousy punctuation and bad grammar or missing words do have a tendency to irritate me. Makes me wonder if any proofreading had been done.
Although I do my own proofreading, I don’t leave it at that. I do have an editor, Kay Springsteen, who helps me polish my own writings. Why? Believe it or not, if I do my own proofreading of my books, my brain will sometimes correct my error but will not inform my fingers that I need to actually make the correction. This seems to be a problem anyone can have especially when the brain inserts a missing word in their head and it doesn’t go any further. In other words, it does NOT get corrected except in one’s imagination.
- Fact-checking:
Verifying that all facts, dates, and statistics are accurate. Since we write Pride and Prejudice variations, essentially Regency Romance because of the time period, dates and events should be fairly accurate. I even doublecheck words that I use to make sure they were a part of the time period. An example is the word discombobulate which was in usage in the late 19th century and probably was not used around 1800 where most P&P resides.
- Collaboration:
Working closely with writers, designers, and other stakeholders to shape the content from conception to completion. This can also apply to films in addition to printed works.
- Project management:
Planning content, managing deadlines, and ensuring the project stays on schedule.
- Publication and layout:
Overseeing the final production, including the layout of text, images, and other design elements.
So, I find myself working at a little bit of everything listed above. But I also recognize that I need to take an additional consideration when I protect the author’s voice. Voice? Yes. Haven’t you found that you really like a certain author’s manner or style of writing? Sometimes you can just about recognize the author’s work without checking who actually wrote the book or article, etc. There is a certain feel to the writing that you notice in all of a particular author’s work. And if you really love their style of writing, you can recognize it immediately.
I have a couple of clients that I especially am careful to not hide their voices. Both individually are very good writers. However, my lady author has a very distinctive voice, and I make it a point to acknowledge that. She also has some of the most interesting plots as well. She is extremely good at coming up with unique ones.
Editing also requires quiet so one can pay attention to what is being edited. The ability to spot mistakes is good to have as well. It also makes me think more about what is written. Is this style of writing worth learning or even trying it out for size?
Editing is time consuming, but it also demands that I pay attention and do the best I can at finding errors or places that need to be reconsidered. However, I also need to recognize when a passage, chapter, or perhaps the whole book is really good! If I achieve those goals, I become a better writer, and I help my client to do so as well.
P.S. The one thing that changes from time to time is the Oxford comma. And sometimes it is what makes me want to get very vocal. 🙂
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