The Field of Editing

Editors for the written word polish books or articles for publication. They try to make the finished product error-free and interesting throughout, while maintaining the original author’s voice. Their responsibilities include

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• checking facts,

• fixing grammar and spelling mistakes,

• revising content for flow and structure, and

• selecting submissions for publication.

 

Editors can work for newspapers, magazines, or publishing houses. You can specialize within these industries and become a specific type of editor:

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• Copy editors work across all industries. They are responsible for checking facts, fixing grammar and spelling mistakes, and ensuring that content flows and is interesting to the reader.

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• Within Newspapers and Magazines:

  • The Editor-in-Chief is in charge of the look of the paper or magazine and the type of content it produces. They have the final say on what is published.

  • Managing Editors are responsible for choosing topics, assigning articles, and making sure all other editors are on schedule.

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• Within Publishing Houses:

  • Acquisitions Editors find new authors and serve as a medium between publishers and writers.

  • Developmental Editors help an author develop a book from the first idea to a completed manuscript. They make sure that the book aligns with the current literary market and help the book progress to the next step of the publishing process.