Editing transforms roast lamb with vegetables into a feast, or savory mince on toast into an eye fillet steak chef’s special. It’s the feeling of wearing a well-tailored suit instead of those uncomfortable shorts that ride up your leg. The question arises: what makes the cut? What is good compared with what is best?
Editing involves making tough compromises for the greater good. It is both feared and revered, and it can be dismissed as excessive or harsh. Yet, it is the writer’s remedy; though it may be difficult to swallow, it brings clarity, correctness, conciseness, lucidity, and consistency to a manuscript that’s given into the hands of a skilful editor.
The initial idea, the ‘ex nihilo,’ the seed of creativity, the essence, and the writer’s unique hand will always resonate deep in the author’s heart; it’s our very soul we are revealing. However, collaborating with a skilled editor sharpens the work and ensures that structure and pace effectively serve the reader’s needs.
Knowing that editing is part of the process allows you to write freely, to cultivate ideas without restraint, and to express new thoughts, even if they initially come out ‘not quite right.’ For the sake of flow, we can keep moving forward with creating the story.
The editor’s pen follows close behind, winnowing the words, tossing away the chaff, and gathering only the finest. The husks are lost to the wind, but what remains is pure gold.
So next time you’re lost in a captivating book, remember that behind every great story is an editor’s steady hand, helping to shape, refine, and perfect the words you cherish.
Share your experiences with us here at Wordmonger; we’d love to hear from you.
Core Editing Types (Text Focus)
- Developmental/Structural Editor: Focuses on the “forest,” assessing overall story, plot, character arcs, world-building, and structure to ensure the book is coherent and compelling.
- Line Editor: Works line-by-line on style, flow, word choice, and bringing out the author’s voice, making the writing consistently effective and engaging.
- Copy Editor: Focuses on the technical mechanics: grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style).
- Proofreader: The final quality check for typos, formatting errors, inconsistencies, and design issues right before publication. (bulet point let out fro the proofers 😊)
Other Key Publishing Roles
- Acquisitions Editor: Finds, signs, and acquires manuscripts for a publishing house.
- Managing Editor: Oversees the entire production process, coordinating editors, designers, and timelines.
- Subject Matter/Technical Editor: Specialists who ensure accuracy in highly technical or academic non-fiction.
- Sensitivity Reader/Bias Editor: Reviews manuscripts for cultural sensitivity, bias, or harmful stereotypes, especially in diverse character writing.
- Editorial Assistant: Supports senior editors with administrative tasks, research, and manuscript tracking