Some editors do almost everything, others have more limited briefs.

Sometimes editing a book can take almost as much effort as writing the book, and involve a whole team of experts.

The degree to which a book might be edited can depend upon how financially viable it is to do that work. At the end of the day, publishing a book is a business; and if the book does not generate sufficient income; it may not be viable to undertake a high level of editing.

Developmental editing

The developmental editor usually consults with the writer before commencement of the project then helps to plan the features as well as the organisation of the work. At this stage the editor will also review and analyse the work as well as suggest communication formats. The following processes are usually incorporated:

• Rewriting and restructuring the text to fit the format;
• Improving flow of sentences and paragraphs;
• Ensuring consistent structure by adding or deleting headings;
• Identifying gaps in content, and forwarding this information to the author to allow changes;
• Deleting content that is outdated or that does not achieve the desired marketing focus or tone;
• Developing an effective system for handling trademarks and notes;
• Altering content if needed after recommendation;
• Passing the manuscript on for copy-editing.

Production editing

Production editing involves managing the entire production process from manuscript to finished product. This involves the following:

• Planning, scheduling and tracking the entire production process;
• Obtaining quotes and choosing printers;
• Supervising copy editors and designers;
• Ensuring that the author’s changes are implemented;
• Overseeing quality control of printing and typography;
• Implementing procedures of administration, eg. copyright, ISBN.

Project editing

A project editor manages the entire project and this will include the following duties:

• Reviewing all aspects of the editorial and production process and ensuring that standards are consistent throughout  the project;
• Ensuring that the editorial and design team communicates effectively.

Acquisitions editing

The role of the acquisitions editor is to find new business and authors for the company. This involves the following:

• Analysing and researching marketing data within an identified market, taking into account current events and trends as well the output of other publishers;
• Finding publishable material for a given market;
• Finding and signing on authors;
• Ensuring that the editorial team understands the marketing strategy organised for the project.

Proofreading

A proofreader checks typeset copy for errors. This involves the following:

• Marking typeset copy word for word against a manuscript;
• Identifying deviations for correction;
• Querying editorial errors;
• checking copy for conformity to type specifications;
• Creating a style sheet;
• Ensuring attractive and consistent typography by checking kerning, margins, word spacing, repetitive word breaks.

Editorial proofreading

Publishers often request editorial proofreading when previously published material is to be reprinted or when they are concerned about possible input errors in material that has been heavily edited or drastically reformatted.

Editorial proofreading requires reading a manuscript to correct obvious errors such as spelling mistakes, typographical errors, miss-numbering or mislabelling, grammar and punctuation, incorrect word usage, incorrect or outdated cross-references, missing copy, and incorrect word-breaks in type-set text

An editorial proofreaders also makes notes in the margins to show the first citation of illustrations, tables, and other display elements. Editorial proofreading may also involve type-marking.

The editorial proofreader retains secondary spellings, does not change which when copy should use that, and does not tamper with word choice or marginally incorrect punctuation (such as semicolons in a simple series) unless requested to do so. At this level, the editor retains the existing footnote or endnote system.

Fact checking

A fact checker’s role is to verify the accuracy of the content but does not make any editorial changes. This could include the accuracy of statements, addresses and trademarks.

Read more on becoming a Successful Editor here.