The word “editor” is used by companies in two very different ways.
As a freelancer, you need to understand what it means to be asked to be an editor. If your client is not clear about your editing responsibilities, ask.
Fortunately, I’ve done both types of editing so I’ll help you out in this post by describing both types of editors.
Editor Type #1: Grammar and All That
This is what most people think of when they think of an editor–the person with the red pencil who looks for errors in your writing.
It’s certainly not easy to be this kind of editor. Often, this editor is dreaded or hated by other writers.
Usually this type of editing involves not only a detailed knowledge of writing conventions, but also a thoroughness that many lack. What many writers don’t realize is that editors go over the material more than once. When I edit material in this way, I try to review it at least three times.
Also, most writers who provide editing services also offer different levels of editing. Levels of editing can range from correcting obvious spelling and grammar errors to rewriting the material.
There’s another individual who holds the editor title, though.
Editor Type #2: The Manager
This type of editor functions more like a publication manager although they hold the editor title. This individual may, or may not, also check content for grammar errors.
This editor selects and schedules content for a publication or website. It’s also likely that this editor makes assignments and sets deadlines.
The editor/manager may work with a staff, or he or she may rely on freelancers and guest contributions. I’ve used both a staff and guest contributions in the past.
Your Turn
What do you think of when you think of editing responsibilities?
Have you been a freelance editor? Which type? Share your experiences.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Monisima // Jun 6, 2012 at
A lady once wrote a 20-page article for a magazine I was editing. It was difficult because she was a socialite and friend of the boss. I had to slash it to bits. Later, she said something like, “I regret the waste of information.” I personally feel that maybe she wanted her article to comprise the entire magazine….
2 Laura Spencer // Jun 6, 2012 at
Monisima–What a perfect illustration of what I’m talking about! I think that writers are often very sensitive when their work is edited.
3 Samantha Gluck // Jun 7, 2012 at
Hi Laura,
Great topic. I’ve done (and often still do) both types of editing. My idea of type number 1 is a “copy editor”. This editor checks stories for style, grammar, voice, etc. He or she may send the piece back to the writer for revisions or make small adjustments him/herself. Type 2, the managing editor definitely has its advantages over type 1 — you don’t have to deal with the problem of trying to get the author to understand why you’re asking for certain changes, etc. But keeping the content schedule straight, choosing the right topics for assignment, and managing deadlines can prove daunting as well.
Overall, I think most of freelance journalists and writers wear many hats and two of those hats are those of copy editor and managing editor.
4 Laura Spencer // Jun 7, 2012 at
Samantha,
Great insight. Like you, I’ve worn both hats. However, clients aren’t always clear when they ask for an “editor,” so it’s important to distinguish between the two.
I’ve even found that smaller organizations tend to meld the the two roles together–expecting the same person to perform both copy editor and managing editor responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to get clarification.
5 Matt Keegan // Jun 15, 2012 at
Editing is hard work. I much prefer to write, but there are some editing jobs I simply cannot pass up. Some writers take edits personally and are defensive, while others appreciate the instructive edits and learn from the changes made. Like Monisima, I’ve had to bring out the hatchet for a few projects, difficult work to turn an unpolished piece into readable prose.
6 Laura Spencer // Jun 15, 2012 at
Matt, You are so right that editing is hard work. Too many writers and clients think of it as an afterthought, but a good editor can really add value to a project by ensuring that the organization presents clean, readable copy.
7 Adrienne (scieditor) // Jun 16, 2012 at
I am editor type #3. There are at least 12 types of editorial jobs, I’d say.
The work I do involves developing a manuscript with a writer – to suit the needs of a market, often as they themselves have identified (as in the case of school curriculum). I massage structure, suggest style changes, and usually draft missing content and suggest and sketch illustrations.
Several of the other classifications of editor are described at http://www.editors.ca/hire/definitions.html, and details of what each “job” involves are given at http://www.editors.ca/resources/eac_publications/pes/index.html. But even that long list does not include the “content curator” role of the magazine or website editor. I’m certain there are still other “editor” positions not yet noted here.
Honestly, for a profession focussed on words, you’d think we could have come up with a few more words for “editor.” It’s like the opposite of having a hundred words for snow. It’s like calling _all_ forms “precipitation.”
8 Laura Spencer // Jun 19, 2012 at
Hi Adrienne,
I would say that what you’re describing falls under category #1 in this post. 🙂 As I pointed out, there are many different levels to this type of editing. My point was to contrast it with the editor of a publication, who has more managerial responsibilities.
Great links, though. 🙂 Thanks for sharing them. I also love your illustration about having a hundred words for snow. It’s so true. The word “editor” means different things to different people. Our job is to find out which meaning our clients are using.