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Editing with Michael Giffin
Levels of editing
There are progressive levels of editing in the publishing process, which may include some or all of the following:
– manuscript assessment, peer review
– manuscript development, substantive editing, structural editing
– copy editing, line editing
– page layout
– proof reading
– indexing.
These levels have a logical sequence and cannot be reordered, or accomplished simultaneously, without creating confusion, extra work, and unnecessary expense. Editors can wear many hats but if they wear more than one at a time they may look eccentric and distressed.
Negotiating a brief
The term editing can be nebulous and mean different things to different people. It is important to negotiate a brief for each assignment. Editors have a duty of care to authors and publishers. Similarly, authors and publishers have a responsibility to know what they want of an editor.
Working with an editor
Editing is subjective. If the same manuscript is given to a hundred editors it will be edited a hundred different ways. Sometimes it is appropriate for the editor to be invasive; this should always be negotiated with the author or publisher beforehand. Sometimes the best editing is the least editing and is both seamless and unrecognizable.
Download further information about editing and how to work with an editor
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