What does an editor do?
What is an editor? More specifically, a copy editor? What is a proofreader? How do I know which one I need?
Great questions all. Let me try to clarify.
In the publishing world, there can be many levels of editing:
An acquisitions editor typically acquires the works that will be published, reading unsolicited submissions and determining whether they might be marketable.
A developmental or substantive editor works with the author on the structure of a manuscript, possibly cutting, adding or reordering copy. I call this big-picture editing. There may be other editing steps among and between, depending on the publisher or publication.
Copyediting happens further along in the process and focuses on the smaller picture — the more detailed work of reviewing for correctness, accuracy, consistency and completeness. Copyediting tasks include:
Editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage
Checking for consistency and continuity of mechanics and facts
Editing tables, figures and lists
Developing a style sheet or following one that is provided*
Checking heads and cross-references
Doing basic fact checking and correcting or querying any information that needs further verification
The next step is proofreading. Once a document has been copy edited, it will be typeset or laid out in what will be the final design, or proof. A proofreader ensures the proof is ready to be printed by re-verifying some of the copyediting issues, like spelling and punctuation, but more so scrutinizing the layout — did all the copy get included in the transfer from one platform to the next? Are there any odd line, page or word breaks in the text? Is stylized copy (e.g., bold, italics) retained? Proofreading is more about how it looks on the page rather than how it reads, as that should already be settled.
I am primarily a copy editor, as I love working with language and conferring with the author about important details in the copyediting stage. But I also enjoy the challenge of being the final eye on a piece as proofreader.
So, in short, if you have a book to publish, you want an acquisitions editor. If you need help organizing your book, you want a developmental editor. And if you’d like a detailed polish on the copy and layout, you want me. :)
*Courtesy Editors Canada. Definitions of Editorial Skills. https://www.editors.ca/hire/definitions-editorial-skills. Accessed January 28, 2021.