When it comes to your writing, it’s important to treat it with attention and care. This is where an editor comes in.
While it’s perhaps a theory that editors might destroy your ambitions by marking up your manuscript with red lines and slashed-out paragraphs, the reality is that an editor wants your words to shine.
So, to combat any misconceptions you have about editing, or if you’re unsure whether to take the step and hire one, let’s explore three things an editor does.
1. Help remove distractions.
No matter how much you go over your manuscript or document, there are bound to be inconsistencies and errors. It often takes fresh eyes to see what you can’t. Although you may have gone over it multiple times, familiarity can get in the way, making mistakes difficult to spot.
Perhaps you’ve written a lengthy sentence, and it causes a bit of a reading stumble. An editor might think of a way to remove two or three words that make it punchier and clearer. It’s often the little changes that make the most difference.
An editor also looks for incorrect grammar use that could alter the meaning of your sentence, inconsistencies that cause distraction, or unclear wording that causes a stop in the reading flow. Editors hunt for things that get in the way of a smooth, effortless and engaging read.
2. Preserve your voice.
While it can be tempting to suggest changes that will make things sound more like how the editor writes, an editor knows how important it is to preserve the author’s voice at all costs. A good editor will seek to do this, knowing when to pull back and when to make changes and suggestions.
An editor knows your book is at its best when it sounds just like you—because that’s your gift to the world. Most things aren’t original, but how you write something makes it original. An editor is there to help enhance your voice by polishing your work and to maintain your voice by knowing where and when to make changes.
3. Encourage and represent.
While it is an editor’s job to fix mistakes and make suggestions, an editor also encourages. An editor spots potential in sentences and encourages the writer to expand. They might see when an author struggles to articulate their point, so the editor reassures them to go for it. An editor reads something that conveys so well that they make a note and tell you!
Editors are there to cheer you on, not to drain your journey. Editors push you forward and challenge you to reach your best writing because they know you can do it. An editor also seeks to represent you—and to do it well. If an editor feels something you say could be misinterpreted, they will likely flag it. If they think something is confusing or unclear, they might make a comment or suggestion. An editor’s heart is to represent you well.
Overall, an editor should help bring about your best writing.
I hope these reminders help you look forward to working with an editor!
The Editing Eagle 