- accurate enough to satisfy the most informed audience member,
- clear enough for even a novice to follow and
- interesting enough to catch and hold the attention of all readers.
Editor means one who prepares the work of others for publication. Most people become professional editors because they're intrigued by language. They enjoy finding just the right word to convey a point, making sense of a complicated piece of information and manipulating text until it flows flawlessly. An editor's decision to remain in the profession goes beyond a love of language. Successful editors turn that interest and skill into a way to earn a living and have an impact on the world around them. An editor must have
- an instinct for recognizing patterns, organizing ideas and creating categories;
- a willingness to question assumptions, theories and facts; and
- an interest in learning new things.
An editor must not only be proficient in grammar, spelling and composition, but also have the ability to
- visualize the end product while focusing on and remembering details,
- think logically and exercise good judgment,
- reorganize a document to achieve clarity and momentum,
- recognize what's missing in a passage
- use a wide range of reference materials,
- work within deadlines,
- keep an eye on the budget and
- work well with the many other people who are a part of the publication process.
Editors come from a variety of different backgrounds, but they are all skilled at developing effective communications tools by identifying the most appropriate structure, format and content for each audience and purpose. The editors are people to think, and they do so on behalf of both the writer and the reader. Editors work in acquisitions, development, substantive or structural editing, stylistic editing, rewriting, copy editing, research, picture research, fact checking, indexing, proofreading, layout and production editing. Editors are not often highly paid, and sometimes they receive little recognition. Editors regularly talk among themselves about being "invisible". However, many editors find satisfaction in being a "best supporting actor."