What To Look For In An Editor

An editor is vital for an author in publishing a work. Through their hard work, a diamond can be seen in place of a shiny rock. They chisel through the rough parts and help an author create a work of art.

What is an Editor?

An editor is someone who edits. Doesn’t help too much in understanding what an editor is. One definition by Webster is “to prepare (something, such as literary material) for publication or public presentation”. This is usually a magazine or newspaper editor. But a book editor gets deeper into the work. Their primary role is “to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose” (Webster).

The editor takes the work from an author and refines it to meet accepted literary standards as well as grammar restrictions. They point out issues and help the author correct them. Why wouldn’t a writer want them?

Signs of a Good Editor

If you are looking for an editor, what should you look for? There are several things to consider a you look for an editor to help you create your final written work.

• A good editor communicates regularly — When you work with a good editor, they will keep you updated regularly. They lay out deadlines and let you know the status. If there are issues, they communicate them.
• A good editor doesn’t take the writer’s voice away — Each writer has their own voice. A good editor doesn’t try to make all author’s sound the…