Tuesday, 7 November 2017

How To Become A Developmental Editor

By Sharon Edwards


While education can be important, there are many individuals who gain work based on experience. In the case of becoming a Developmental Editor, an individual often needs a combination of education and experience. For, these individuals can either work for independent authors, large publishing houses, magazine houses, newspapers or companies involved in creating text books and other educational materials.

In most cases, these type editors work on full length manuscripts. Materials which these individuals edit range from books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and prose to educational materials. In addition, while the main focus is often to check for correct grammar and spelling, these individuals often need to look at the whole picture. In doing so, one needs to have the ability to determine whether a story, or other material can relate to an indented audience.

Most of these individuals work on a freelance basis. In many cases, these individuals work on long manuscripts over a period of time. While, there are others who work along side writers to actively edit material during the creation and development of a publication. As pay rates and salaries can vary, it is important to check for salary ranges associated with this type work in the area in which one resides before accepting a job as a contract, permanent or freelance editor.

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.

It is important that an individual working in this position enjoys reading. In most cases, editors need to put oneself in the place of an intended audience. For, while writers are often at the helm of the project, the goal is to create a publication which a reader can read and enjoy. As such, when reading as an intended audience, editors can assure this is the case.

While this work can often become monotonous and mundane, it is important to find ways to keep the flow interesting while reading and rereading the material. Most often, individuals can often research various aspects of a project during the process in order to avoid these issues. Whereas, it is also important to take breaks as needed so as to not miss any important errors which could easily be overlooked.

As an editor is often the last to review material before it goes back to the author or publisher for finalization, it is important one do so in a quiet place without interruption. In addition, it is essential that one check for any grammatical incorrectness, spelling errors and puts oneself in the place of the intended audience. In doing so, one can assure that future readers can easily read and understand the information related to a book or project once complete.

In most cases, publishing houses or independent authors will return a final draft back to the editor. After which, the editor needs to check and review all aspects of the book or project. At this phase, it is important that all elements including front and back cover, title of contents, forewords and other materials be checked in entirety to assure everything is in the proper place and that all content is correct.




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