An editor takes existing text and modifies it to better suit its intended purpose. The modifications can range from simple copyediting, which only corrects grammar and spelling, to broad edits for flow and theme, to rearranging content to conform with strict style guides.
When you hire a freelance editor, you never have to accept all the edits that editor makes. You should instead consider each edit a suggestion that you choose whether or not to accept. Good editors (like myself!) will use tools like in-document comments, change trackers, and version control so you can see exactly what edits have been made. You can then easily revert any changes that you don’t like without losing the other edits and suggestions.
Common types of editing:
- Correcting grammar and spelling only (copyediting)
- Editing for flow, theme, and/or tone
- Fact-checking
- Reducing the word count
- Matching content to a style guide
- Converting content from one format to another (e.g. an article to a video script)
I usually include two rounds of edits for free with most writing projects. That means after the first draft has been written, you can return it with changes, comments, and questions and I’ll edit the text accordingly. I’ve provided some step-by-step examples so you can see exactly how it works.
Perhaps the best time to engage an editor is when you’re looking at your text and you know something’s not right, but it’s your third cup of coffee and a solution just isn’t coming to you. An editor can provide a fresh pair of eyes, identify the trouble spot, and suggest two or three options for fixing it all before you lose your sanity re-reading the same eight paragraphs over and over again. It’s a pretty good deal!