What is Editing?

Did you know that editing is a crucial part of the writing process? Most writers submit their content to an editor before publishing, others even turn to an editor before they finish their work to seek assistance in the developmental stages. Editing ensures that a writer’s work is complete, clean of errors, and will be well received by the reader.
What editing is and who editors are
Editing is an umbrella word that encompasses a host of responsibilities more easily understood when we look at the types of editing that go into improving copywriters’ ideas and readying digital written content. The key purposes behind all types of editing are to better a piece of writing by correcting errors, to refine language, to apply a chosen style, and to ensure it conveys the intended message while also meeting publishing and audience standards.
Editors are often invisible but integrally necessary to helping writers carve their best work.
Consider these four actions:
- I’m working with an editor to develop my idea for a novel. (developmental editing)
- The editor helped me rewrite so many of my sentences because I had trouble expressing exactly what I wanted to say. (line editing)
- It’s a good thing I have an editor because she catches all of my misspellings, grammar mistakes, and punctuation faux pas. (copyediting)
- After my final draft is formatted, my editor will complete the last step before publication. She will ensure all necessary changes have been made and check for any remaining errors in language, design, and formatting. (proofreading)
As you can see, each example above demonstrates one of the four major areas of editing, which are explained in more detail in Types of Editing. All told, an editor’s job is to point out what problems have arisen, explain why they are problems, and offer possible solutions.
Editors have a meticulous command over language that allows them to improve written content.
All writers benefit from editors because it is difficult for most writers to see their own errors.
Editors are experts in grammar, mechanics (rules of written language), sentence structure, flow, unity and cohesion (interconnectedness of ideas), word choice, and applying specific styles, to name a few. They are patient, have a keen eye for the tiniest of details, and are often excellent writers in their own right. Editors are critical readers and critical thinkers, using their training and experience to evaluate, analyze, and comment on written material in ways that help writers achieve their personal bests, while preserving their unique voices.
Why editing matters
Editing is essential to published writing, be it in printed or digital form, because polished language presents a professional front. Language that reads unnaturally can turn away prospective customers and clients who might view your company as incompetent, at best, or as untrustworthy, at worst. They just don’t know that someone else is responsible for the poorly-phrased and error-riddled content in your marketing materials.
We at Denglisch Docs understand the importance of language authenticity and error-free writing. We always make sure that what you present to your readers (prospective clients, investors, competitors, etc.) is refined, conveys your message clearly, and reflects the pride you take in the high-quality services or goods you offer. We also know that something well-said is often well-sold.
-
English is a Germanic Language: What’s that mean?
You may have heard someone say that German and English are sister languages. In the genetic classification of languages, they are, along with several others, Germanic languages. But languages don’t have genes, and they don’t reproduce and pass those genes on, so what does that really mean? The Short . . . Read more
-
Types of Editing
Unless you are actively involved in the world of writing, editing can be a bit of a mystery to many people. There is a great deal of knowledge, skill, and expertise that goes into refining a body of work. For instance, unbeknown to many there are multiple types of editing, some of which can overlap . . . Read more
-
Racial Slurs and Labels and Euphemisms, Oh My!*
What is the correct way to refer to Americans whose skin is black? Or whose first language is Spanish? Or whose religion is Judaism? Talking about race or ethnicity in English might feel a lot like wading through a minefield. And the danger of speaking insensitively is only magnified when talking ab . . . Read more
-
What is a CAT Tool?
What does the phrase CAT tool bring to mind? Maybe something a lion tamer would use? Or an app that brings you the most adorable cat videos on demand? Unfortunately, it’s nothing so exciting in the world of translation, although it is a big part of the profession as a whole. CAT stands for computer- . . . Read more
- How Does a Translator Work?