Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading
Advice for Freelance Writers on the Editing Process
Jul 20, 2009
The publishing industry has laid off so many editors that it is virtually impossible for an unsolicited manuscript to be read by any publishing house. In order to get their manuscripts seen by publishers, writers need to be represented by agents; but fewer and fewer agents have the time to work with writers to perfect their manuscripts.
This situation has led to a growth in the number of writers seeking to perfect their work before submitting to agents, and as a result, a burgeoning of the number of 'editors’, ‘copy editors’, and ‘proof readers’ offering their services to writers. The danger to writers from scams is one issue to beware of, but assuming that the services offered are genuine, it is important that writers understand the editing process and know what to expect. The processes of editing, copy editing, and proofreading are each distinctly different, and every freelance writer should know the differences.
The Work of an Editor
Normally an editor works for a publisher. The editor reads manuscripts and chooses writers whom they feel will fit best with the publishing house’s list of books. Within the publishing house, the editor represents the writer and the writer’s work to the marketing and sales departments. The editor works closely with each writer on:
- themes
- stories
- character development
- writing style
- long term potential and relationship with the writer (e.g. the series possibilities of their books, or future books that the writer has in mind)
The editor is the most important person in the life of any writer who has a publishing contract.
It is, however, important to bear in mind that the editor’s importance comes not from the actual advice offered, but from their position in relation to the publishing house. They ensure that the writer’s work is exactly what the publisher wants.
Any writer thinking of employing the services of a freelance editor should bear in mind that they are paying for an opinion – nothing more. The opinion of a freelance editor with no publishing house connections, does not carry any influence with agents or publishers.
The Work of a Copy Editor
Before a manuscript is sent to the printers, either by a traditional publishing house, or by a writer who has decided to self-publish, it should be copy-edited. A professional copy editor checks a manuscript for...
- continuity of story and details (e.g. place names, characters’ names)
- factual accuracy
- spelling and grammar (using discretion and taking account of the writer’s own style)
- numbering of chapters and sections
- consistency in use of italics or punctuation
A copy editor should not offer critical opinions on story, themes, character or writing style; but should concentrate solely on the technical correctness of the writing.
The Work of a Proofreader
When a manuscript is about to be published the printer will normally provide 'proofs' which require to be checked for any last minute corrections. Normally a publisher will send the proofs to the author to proofread and check.
With many more writers now self-publishing, they may wish to employ a professional proof reader to give their manuscript a final check before submitting their manuscript to the printers.
Spelling and grammar checkers in word-processing programs will perform the task of proof-reading, but they can never pick up every error. Only a human eye can decide what is correct or not in context, but the problem with the human eye is that it can become lazy or fatigued easily.
Proof-readers employ many techniques and tricks for checking. Such as…
- Reading aloud to makes sure that every word is read
- Placing a ruler along each line and pointing at every single word of the text as it is being read
- Reading backwards to concentrate on spelling
- Reading upside down to check for rogue spaces or different font sizes
Proofreaders are concerned with the minute details, including headers and footers, and page numbers. But they are not necessarily concerned with bigger issues of continuity or fact-checking which a copy editor would be concerned with.
Editing, copy editing, and proofreading: each is a different stage along the route to publication of a manuscript and every writer should know exactly what to expect at each stage.
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