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Tuesday 31 October 2017

The Job Of A Developmental Editor

By Sharon Edwards


When it comes to professionals working in the area writing, there are many different positions, one of which is that of a Developmental Editor. In some cases, these individuals might work for an independent author. While in other cases, the individual might work for a publishing house, magazine or newspaper. In most all cases, the individual will be working as a consultant, contractor or freelancer.

In most cases, these type editors work on full length manuscripts. Materials which these individuals edit range from books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and prose to educational materials. In addition, while the main focus is often to check for correct grammar and spelling, these individuals often need to look at the whole picture. In doing so, one needs to have the ability to determine whether a story, or other material can relate to an indented audience.

Most of these individuals work on a freelance basis. In many cases, these individuals work on long manuscripts over a period of time. While, there are others who work along side writers to actively edit material during the creation and development of a publication. As pay rates and salaries can vary, it is important to check for salary ranges associated with this type work in the area in which one resides before accepting a job as a contract, permanent or freelance editor.

In many cases, authors may request an editor to review an entire manuscript. Whereas, in others, the editor may work along side the writer throughout the course of a project editing sections as completed. Whatever the case, it is important to make the writer aware of any errors with regards to grammar, misspellings or content as soon as possible. For, in some cases, a writer might be working against a deadline.

In all cases, it is important those working in these positions enjoy and love reading. For, often an editor will need reread material a number of times before the completion of a project. In addition, it is also important than while reading, one put oneself in the place of the intended audience. In doing so, the editor can assure future readers will also find the book, or other project enjoyable.

As these individuals often have to read the material many times over, it is important that one does get bored in doing so. For, while one may be rereading the book for the third or fourth time, there can still be mistakes which were overlooked during other reviews. Whereas, there can possibly be new material which has been added since previous edits.

In the final phase of the project, editors are often the last eyes to see the publication before it goes to a publisher. As such, most writers count on these individuals to catch any and all mistakes prior to this point. For, once a manuscript is published, it can often be far more expensive to fix errors.

Upon submitting the final version to a publisher, most will return the project to the editor and writer for one last final review. During this phase, it is important to check all aspects of the book or other project including the title of contents, content, covers, bibliographies and any other information before returning the item back to the publisher. For, once a book is bound, or a project finalized, it can often be far more costly to edit and republish.




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