Hiring an Editor

For many writers of academic (or other) copy, hiring an editor is a no-brainer. While some writers require a quick grammatical review others require more substantive editing. In either case the use of an editor is considered acceptable and even commendable, in academic circles especially. That is because the substance of the writer’s ideas and the compelling nature of his or her arguments are what’s relevant. If that person cannot write a perfect grammatical piece so be it, as long as it is reviewed and presented as pristine it doesn’t really matter who, or what, did the spell check.

An editor may be employed to undertake a variety of editing types. Developmental editing is where the editor works with the writer throughout the project giving advice about content, organization and presentation. As the editor and writer work through the project the editor may also make suggestions regarding re-writing, content or additional topical interest.

Copy editing is usually done once a draft document or manuscript is completed. This type of editing will look for errors in spelling, grammar and syntax as well as consistency in style and content. This editor may also cross check references, the integrity of data and any copyright or permission issues that need clarification. A copy editor may also undertake a substantive edit or this may done by another person entirely. The substantive edit involves:

• identifying and solving problems of overall clarity or accuracy
• reorganizing content to improve the order in which the text is presented
• writing or rewriting segments of text to improve readability and flow of information
• revising aspects of the text to improve its presentation
• consulting with others about issues
• creating a new draft text based upon the writers copy

At any stage during any of these types of edits an editor will regularly proofread copy with a final proofread at the end of the collaboration.  Edited copy is professional and pristine; what every writer wants in content and presentation.