RESOURCES

Which Services Do I Hire For?

The process of editing traditionally had clearly assigned tasks based on the job level. Now, with the ongoing changes in the editorial landscape (e.g., print and online) what a “medium” edit means to a university press might be what a publisher of young adult novels calls proofreading.

Similarly, the functions carried out by the managing editor at a magazine or blog would be the responsibility of the project editor at a book publisher.

One difficult-to-define responsibility is “light” editing (frequently used synonymously with proofreading). While this can be accurate, many editorial tasks usually performed as part of a “medium” or “heavy” edit (commonly referred to as copyediting and developmental editing, respectively) happen behind the scenes, so to speak.

• Creating a comprehensive style sheet

• Checking nonspecific cross-references

• Formatting text and correcting improper conversions (for digital projects only)

These tasks can cost an editor significant time and effort.

What’s the Goal?

My goal is to ensure client and editor alike share an understanding of the client’s instructions and expectations.

To help clients better understand and appreciate various editorial functions, visit Bay Area Editors’ Forum, which offers an extensive breakdown of the most common editorial roles and their responsibilities. (Note: Definitions are neither comprehensive nor definitive.)

IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind if you’re hiring for more than one editing task, the pay should be commensurate.

The only funny typo is someone else’s!®