To me, editing is about the same as writing. Yes, someone else has already done a first draft, but then I am left to correct and beautify the writing just as I would my own work.

 

I see editing as a quest for perfection in all of these attributes of a document:

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• Grammar

• Spelling

• Articulation

• Organization

• Adherence to style

• Adherence to rubric

• Standard terminology and consistent usage

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Style can refer to an uncodified mode of writing, but my clients' submissions most commonly have to adhere to a formal style guide, most commonly that of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Such style guides are usually known for dictating exact forms of citing and referencing academic source material. However, the "style" in these guides also encompasses grammar, spelling, and articulation. Indeed, the APA manual devotes about 40% of its pages structure and content, clarity and conciseness, and writing mechanics.

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Organization concerns the logical, orderly flow of ideas leading to the desired scientific conclusion or philosophical resolution. A rubric or dissertation template is often issued by academic departments to enforce organization.

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Lastly, technical and popular terms used in the document should consistently conform to established usage in the industries concerned and, in many cases, should be laid out in glossaries and lists of acronyms within the document.

 

Clippings from many of the documents I have edited appear in the slide show at right.

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I would like to help you with your writing and editing projects, too, and will welcome your inquiry. Please see the Contact Me page for details.