Editing
Pride of authorship is a common emotion, but even Charles Dickens had an editor. The author is the first editor of one’s own writing. Like an artist who repeatedly returns to the canvas to change or improve an image, so too should a writer read and rewrite a piece of writing until the work is satisfactory. An editor’s job is to review the writer’s satisfaction and either accept it or edit accordingly
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is as vast as one’s own imagination, and a writer can become overwhelmed when searching for the best word or phrase to describe something. Unless writing science fiction, poetry or ad copy, one’s writing should reflect the writer’s own lexicon and should not turn to parlances or dialects. An editor can accept the writer’s choice of specific words or will propose alternate words or phrases to best describe or define the writer’s intent. The writer always has the final say but may also defer to the editor’s selection when it is arguably a more suitable option.
Spelling and punctuation
Spelling and punctuation are the most commonly identified errors in writing. Published authors fall prey to the innocently, though incorrectly included misspelled words found in some of the best-selling books on the shelf. An editor is responsible for identifying and correcting misspelled words. Punctuation does have hard and fast rules, and misplaced punctuation can radically or comically alter the meaning of a sentence or paragraph. His fans might agree that for Hemingway, punctuation was more of a choice than a rule, but for us less prolific writers, an editor will improve a written piece by adhering to the more conventional rules of punctuation.
Structure
The physical structure of a written piece is the editor’s first observation. Sentences, paragraphs, spacing, font style & size, page layout, margins and indentation all serve to present the reader with an unobstructed view of the piece.
Grammar
Personally, grammar is something that either sounds correct when words are spoken or written, or it doesn’t, but grammar is governed by rules known to and enforced by the editor. Grammar is the entire system of the English language comprised of syntax, (arrangement of words) morphology, (form of language) phonology, (sound of language and semantics (the meaning of words and language. Grammar is the most important weapon in the writer’s arsenal and cannot be cannibalized or dismissed. Good grammar is mandatory. Poor grammar will assault a reader like the sound of fingernails on a blackboard. Poor grammar will probably not escape a writer’s self-edit, but should it find its way into a piece of writing, the editor must edit it away.
subject matter and content
Within the boundaries of free speech, common sense and decency, subject matter and content are the proprietary, intellectual property of the writer. Work submitted to this writer and/or website for editing, will not and cannot be shared with any person or party outside of the writer and editor. Facts*, opinions, dates, positions, claims, formulae and content will not be judged, refuted or debated by the editor unless the writer requests confirmation from the editor.
*Written work submitted by students and post-graduates will undergo cursory fact-checking editing. Unless the work is clearly submitted as an opinion letter or hypothesis, content included as axiomatic that could be challenged by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) will be checked and confirmed by the editor.
Language
The language chosen for a written piece is essential to the writer’s purpose. Writing as one speaks is the best form of writing and conveys honesty and clarity. Language is how we communicate, and when written properly, should flow in a conventional and recognizable manner. An editor may accept language employed in a piece or may offer to improve it.
Tone
The tone set in a written piece can be intentional, employed to express emotion, position and effect. An editor will identify the writer’s tone and based on other components in the writing, will confirm the writer’s intent to use that tone or will otherwise propose a different, objective or neutral tone.
proofreading
As suggested, the writer is the first editor. However, as President Reagan advised, “Trust, but verify.” Proofreading by an editor is the second opinion for writers. The internal medicine of the field that comforts the writer with the knowledge that the work has been properly diagnosed. Proofreading is perfunctory in its mission and mechanical in its application. Short of misspelling, the writer / author has the final say and can choose to take the proofreader’s efforts solely under advisement.