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The
Editing Process...
You
might find the following information on the editing process helpful.
Developmental editing, mentioned first, is the most in-depth
level of editing. Substantive, copyediting and proofreading work
moves toward progressively less editorial input. Keep in mind
that an editing job may, in some way, involve more than one type/level
or even all types of editorial work.
Types
of Editing...
(written
by the Freelance Editorial Association)
Developmental
Editing.
Any or all of the following:
1.
working with the client and, usually, the author of a book or
other document to develop a manuscript from initial concept,
outline, or draft (or some combination of the three) through
any number of subsequent drafts
2.
making suggestions about content, organization, and presentation,
based on analysis of competing works, comments of expert reviewers,
the client's market analysis, and other appropriate references
3.
rewriting, writing, and researching, as needed, and sometimes
suggesting topics or providing information about topics for consideration
of authors and client.
Substantive Editing. Improving a manuscript in any or
all of the following ways:
1.
identifying and solving problems of overall clarity or accuracy
2.
reorganizing paragraphs, sections, or chapters to improve the
order in which the text is presented
3.
writing or rewriting segments of text to improve readability
and flow of information
4.
revising any or all aspects of the text to improve its presentation
5.
consulting with others about issues of concern
6.
incorporating responses to queries and suggestions creating a
new draft of the document
Copyediting (sometimes called line editing). Any or all
of the following:
1.
correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage
while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text
2.
checking for or imposing a consistent style and format
3.
preparing a style sheet that documents style and format
4.
reading for overall clarity and sense on behalf of the prospective
audience
5.
querying the appropriate party about apparent errors or inconsistencies
6.
noting permissions needed to publish copyrighted material
7.
preparing a manuscript for the next stage of the publication
process
8.
cross-checking references, art, figures, tables, equations, and
other features for consistency with their mentions in the text
Proofreading. Comparing the latest stage of text with
the preceding stage, marking discrepancies in text, and, when
appropriate, checking for problems in page makeup, layout, color
separation, or type. Proofreading may also include one or more
of the following:
1.
checking proof against typesetting specifications
2.
querying or correcting errors or inconsistencies that may have
escaped an editor or writer
3.
reading for typographical errors or for sense without reading
against copy
For more information on editing services, visit www.edsguild.org, the Web site of the
Northwest Independent Editors Guild.
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