Discovering A Career As 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.

When it comes to these type editors, most work on book-length manuscripts including fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose. While grammar and spelling are important aspects of an editing position, these type editors often look at the big picture which can include the consistency of voice, whether or not language is understandable along with structure and pacing. While many work for publishing houses, others can work for independent authors.

In most cases, these individuals work as freelancers, consultants or contractors. Although, there are some who may work directly for a publishing company or other entity as a permanent employee. While this is the case, those working as consultants, contractors and freelancers are often going to be the highest paid in this area. One reason being, that when an individual works directly for a company, the person often gets a number of benefits not allowed those working on a contract or short-term basis.

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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