What is meant by the term "EDITOR"?
- Andrew Heasman (Author)
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
As a professional book editor and proofreader, part of my daily routine is to scroll through various social media feeds looking for potential clients or those seeking advice on editing their manuscripts.
Recently, I've seen a marked increase in confusion about what, exactly, certain authors are looking for.
The problem seems to arise from the word "EDITOR" - it means different things to different people in different contexts.
As a book editor, I'm primarily interested in editing in terms of the publishing industry (whether that's self-publishing or traditional). But equally, the term "editor" can refer to graphics editing, photo editing, etc. It is important to specify which "variety" you are referring to.
That's one level of confusion clarified.
However, when it comes to books, it is pretty clear that the author is obviously referring to book editing. But is it really that simple? Editing is editing, right?
I've noticed that authors tend to use the word "editor" in a general sense. Often, they refer to publishers, small presses, and agents as editors.
While in the traditional publishing world (and in journalism), editors do exist, they have a completely different role to someone (typically a freelancer) who might be employed to edit someone's manuscript. They often refer to commissioning editors or editors-in-chief (magazines/newspapers) and are simply abbreviated for simplicity. If that is what the author is looking for, then it's fine. But specify the exact "type" of editor you are looking for (and in what sense). Equally, that type of editor is very unlikely to be scrolling through social media looking for clients. More likely, they'll work in a publishing company and will be inundated with proposals from prospective authors.
With that type of editor now clarified, it leaves only one other variety: the freelance book editor.
Obviously, that is simple to explain as an editor edits books - plain and simple - right?
Well, yes and no!
There are editors and there are editors. Different types of editor will do different types of editing; some will cross over and do more than one type of editing, while others might only specialise in one version (some do all types).
So, what are the different types of editing (and editors)?
Looking at the big picture, you've got the developmental editor. Think of them as a professional version of a beta/alpha reader but with technical knowledge and a whole different skill set. They primarily deal with plot issues, flow, and voice. They DON'T get involved in line or word level editing.
Next, you have the copy/line editor. These don't deal with plot issues, but do look to correct paragraph flow, spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax, word choice, fact checking, and a whole lot more.
Finally, you have the proofreader. This is the final stage in the editing process after everything else is complete, just before publication. Think of it as a final check for errors - a final polish.
For a more detailed description of what each type of editing includes, refer to my website here https://www.proofwriteuk.com/book-services or https://www.proofwriteuk.com/editing-proofreading
Don't confuse beta-readers, alpha readers, or well-intentioned friends as a substitute for a professional editor (they can be used in addition to one, though). If your car needed fixing, you go to a trained mechanic. Same applies with your book.
As I said earlier, some editors combine services and offer more than one type of editing so it is worth specifying exactly what you are looking for.
If you aren't sure (or can't decide), ask for a manuscript critique or sample edit - that way, you trust the prospective editor to assess your writing and decide what is best. Their quote will be based on this, but you are free to discuss the options with your editor before committing to anything.
So, to conclude, when requesting editorial help on social media (or directly from an editor), be as specific as possible about the type of editing you require.
The word "editor" can be very ambiguous (as you can see).
ProofwriteUK is a no-AI book editing service. No AI will be used to assess manuscripts, be used in the production of reports, or used in any way that exposes the work to AI bots.
For information of my copyediting, line editing, and proofreading services, go to https://www.proofwriteuk.com where all of your questions will be answered.
If you'd like to discuss your manuscript's requirements, or would like to obtain a FREE quote (or a FREE 1000 word sample edit), please contact me through my website's "contact" page, email address, or via Facebook or X (Twitter).
Email:Â AJHeasman.ProofWrite@aol.com
I also offer my services through Fiverr