June 18, 2024
Hey, folks!
While many people think editing is simply checking for spelling errors, there’s so much more that goes into the process. There’s developmental editing, which focuses on the overall content and movement of a piece; line editing, which focuses on how the content is written; copy editing, which focuses on the mechanics and the ease of understanding within the content; and proofreading, which focuses on clean-up and sometimes on formatting. (You can see more about all of that here.)
But within those tasks, there are even more that non-editors may not be aware of. So, let’s take a look at three of the most common tasks and responsibilities you may run into while working with an editor.
What: Check for biased language
When: Copy editing (usually)
Checking for biased language isn’t just the domain of a sensitivity reader; copy editors are expected to take note of it, too.
If your copy editor spots language that could potentially be harmful, it’s their job to notify you and ideally present you with alternatives. (And, also ideally, to explain why it’s considered harmful.)
Sometimes this may mean we alert you to language that’s actually in direct relation to your own identity. We may not know that it’s part of your identity, but even if we do, we’re still required to point it out – unknown internal biases are, after all, a thing. But whatever the case may be, please know that pointing out biased language is NEVER meant to criticize you, to attack your choices, or to judge you. Nor is it us telling you you’re using the wrong language for yourself. It’s merely us covering all bases as part of our job, especially since we don’t always know what you know or what your preferences are.
It’s perfectly fine to inform us, especially when we’re hired for another round or type of edits, that you’d like to continue using the flagged language. (Please do so gently, though; we editors are largely sensitive and skittish creatures.) You’re also welcome to inform us in advance of any potentially biased language preferences you have (which can in turn protect the editor’s mental health depending on the language in question, since it may intersect with their identity!).
Note that while copy editing highlights specific word choices, larger stereotypes and frequently used biased language may be addressed as early as developmental editing.
What: Alert you if more editing needs to be done
When: Any stage
Note that in ideal circumstances, we catch this before we’re actually hired – it’s part of why sample edits are so valuable to both editor and writer.
If an editor notices that your content doesn’t quite seem ready for the level of editing you’ve hired them for or requested they do, they’ll likely suggest another type of editing get done first (unless it’s made clear from the start why it hasn’t been done yet – even then, they may encourage more self-editing first).
This is so that your story, poetry, etc. has the most chance at succeeding – and so that our jobs as editors are streamlined.
Bear with me for this slightly ridiculous metaphor. Imagine someone asks you to make them a ham sandwich. They say the ham and bread are all ready for you; you just need to put it together.
But the ham hasn’t been sliced, and the bread hasn’t been cooked properly. There’s more to this than just putting it together. If you did it as it was, the sandwich wouldn’t be easy to eat, and may not be as enjoyable as it could be otherwise. You need to ask them to cut the ham and to bake another loaf of bread, since they didn’t request you to do either for or with them, and you don’t have the time set aside as a result. As an alternative, you offer to do those things for them with some more communication and time, but if nothing is done, the sandwich won’t turn out well.
This is a strange but hopefully effective way of showing what it’s like getting a manuscript that isn’t ready for editing. In this metaphor’s case, isn’t ready for copy editing. The story may not be cohesive, or the logic isn’t working, or the characters are falling flat. All of that can be solved in a foundation-focused developmental edit, not a copy edit. So, a good editor will point that out, and ask how you want to proceed.
It’s ultimately up to you if you choose to take our advice and hire us for extra editing or do more self-editing. But know that any editor may be reluctant to move forward unless more editing is done first. Just make sure to check with them, so everyone is on the same page.
Note that we may also recommend a second round of editing before moving on from the stage we’re working on together.
What: Fact-check everything – even if you’re an expert
When: Copy editing, but could pop up at any stage
We all want your book (or poem, or essay, etc.) to be as good as possible, right? That means making sure that nothing slips through the cracks – even something an expert likely knows.
Because of this, an editor may query or flag something that, based on our own research or knowledge, appears to be incorrect when you’ve found it to be otherwise. To avoid as many misunderstandings as possible, if you’ve done research (or, for things like spellings, have a preference you can back up), let your editor know the source(s) you used. That way, we’ll fact-check against what you actually used! (Note, though, that if something feels fishy, we may still look into it.)
Be prepared to have some conversations with your editor on the topic and to answer questions as the need arises. We never call into question your knowledge to insult you; it’s to make sure every base is covered. Think of it more as a dual learning opportunity!
✨ Editors (and writers!): is there something else people may be surprised editors do during the process? Sound them off in the comments!