Editing refers to revising written text to improve clarity, readability, and overall flow, as well as making sure grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax are correct. A professional editor can also provide suggestions about the content or other components of a document.

Publishers often offer different levels of editing. Text editing focuses on the language used and focuses primarily on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. The editor will also look at word usage, repetition, inconsistencies, and use of jargon. Most likely, a professional editor will ask you when you submit your work if your work should follow a particular style. You need to let the editor know if the paper needs to follow US or UK English, for example, or anything else particular you need, such as the use of a formal, academic, or business tone.

It is important that your editor knows what you need from him or her at the beginning of the editing process. This includes the level of editing you need, any particular styles your document needs to follow, and when you need to receive the edited document.

Substantive editing (also called content editing) is the most intensive form of editing. Here you will see the structure, organization, style and presentation of your document. Sections can be moved in your document, text can be cut from one part and added to another part, and parts of the document can be rewritten to provide greater clarity.

Most editors will edit any references or bibliographies included in your work, but you should check with your editor to ensure this is done as well. References and bibliographies can be difficult to put together correctly, so it helps to have a second set of eyes to review this section. You should also provide the editor with information on how references should be formatted.

Most editors like to communicate with their clients during the editing process. This could be by emailing you queries or adding comments to the document. This lets him know that the editor cares about the work he is doing and also allows him to participate in the process by letting him know what he wants. Document editors should always be available for questions during and after the editing process.

The final stage of editing is proofreading, where someone makes sure that all errors have been corrected. Proofreading essentially ensures that the editor has done a good job. Most publishers review all copies after they’ve been edited by their staff because, as noted above, it helps to have a second set of eyes to review things. A document must go through several stages of editing and revision to be as error-free as possible.

Professional editors generally use track changes when editing a document. This allows you to see what has changed; you can then accept or reject the changes made. It is important that you, as the author and owner of the document, understand how to use track changes. Even the most established authors have their work edited and proofread. I’m going to say it again! It always helps to have a second set of eyes to review a document.

Originally published at https://www.EditorWorld.com.