Why employ an editor?
An editor is part of the fabric of any publishing venture but, outside of that, many people undervalue the contributon an editor can make to any written work.
The work of an editor varies between projects but main aspects include:
considering the readership and making sure the text is directed at them
checking the structure and sequence of the information or narrative
polishing the text so it is easy to read
ensuring correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
fact-checking
making the style consistent
pointing out issues or inconsistencies that need to be addressed.
Although the commas and full stops are important, they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Here are a few reasons why an editor will add value to your work.
A trained and experienced editor will be able to accomplish these tasks more quickly and effectively than you can.
While SpellCheck programs are useful, they have serious limitations – take a look at the SpellCheck poem if you think they are infallible.
When you are working on text over many weeks or months, it becomes increasingly impossible to be truly objective. The objective view of an editor can give you a refreshing slant on your work, make improvements and introduce new ideas you may not have considered.
They will also know about the market for your book and ensure the text is directed at its audience.
When you keep going over the same text, it encourages the brain to skim-read, making it difficult to spot mistakes when word blindness steps in.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.
A fresh and professional pair of eyes can minimise mistakes, while ensuring that punctuation and grammar are correct so that your text is clear and unambiguous.
The role of the editor is to help you to make your book the best it can be – and that's an objective we share with every author.
‘I have worked with Wendy for many years. She was always highly professional and helpful and made sure that the guide book went from strength to strength each year, for which I'm extremely grateful.'
