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 does an editor do?

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 scenarios:  

• 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.