Where to Start
Types of Editing
Developmental
A developmental editor helps a writer develop their piece before the first draft is complete. Whether the project is a story or a research paper, the editor works with the author to flesh out what is going into the manuscript.
Substantive
Substantive editing takes place once a draft is completed. An editor will read through the draft and help the author reorganize the argument or story, add necessary information, and smooth out the big picture bumps in the manuscript.
Line
Line editing is a much smaller picture type of editing than substantive or developmental. Line editors go through a manuscript line by line, phrase by phrase, and adjust the prose to help the author’s words run a little more smoothly.
Copy
This kind of editing is what everyone thinks of when they hear the word “editing.” Copy editors check all punctuation and grammar to make sure it is correct. They also ensure consistency in spelling and usage throughout a project.
Proofreading
Proofreaders are not necessarily editors, but they need to know a little bit of editing and a little bit of typesetting design. They look over the typeset copy of a manuscript and check for any egregious errors in punctuation and grammar and for any mistakes in the typesetting.
Style Guides
A style (or brand) guide is a rulebook for editors. There are many variations of style guides, including Chicago, AP, APA, MLA, and others; however, many brands have their own unique style guide to handle company-specific phenomena. This may be a style guide entirely of their own creation, or they may simply use CMOS (or another popular style) with a few variations.
It is also important to note that style guides are consistently updated, meaning the rules are subject to change. Chicago, for example, is on their 18th edition. It is important to stay up-to-date with these changes to be an effective editor.
Here are a few examples of style guides within BYU and the Church:
Editing Fields
One of the coolest parts about being an editor is that there are so many fields that you can go into. Here are a few examples, but the options are virtually endless.
Literature
Editors in book publishing focus on refining manuscripts for readability, coherence, and emotional impact. This includes book editing across genres—such as fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. Literary editors also shape poetry, essays, and other forms of prose with a focus on language and voice.
Media + Journalism
Media editors work in fast-paced environments to produce accurate, engaging, and timely content. News editors prioritize clarity and factual accuracy under tight deadlines, while feature and magazine editors craft in-depth stories that emphasize narrative and editorial voice.
Communication in Business
In the corporate world, some editors enhance communication across professional documents such as internal memos, proposals, and technical documentation. This includes editing proposals, grants, and other technical or HR-related materials. Editing for businesses ensures that all outward- and inward-facing materials maintain a polished, professional tone aligned with company goals.
Digital + Web
In the digital space, editors ensure that content is engaging, accessible, and optimized for online consumption. Website content editors refine landing pages and informational copy for clarity and usability, while SEO editors strategically improve visibility in search engines.
Technical + Scientific
Editors in scientific and technical fields ensure precision and readability across highly specialized content. Scientific and medical editors work with complex research, clinical reports, and patient-facing materials to make them clear and accurate. For engineers, editors may translate jargon-heavy information into accessible formats for users.
Legal
Legal editors handle documents that demand consistency in tone and terminology. They edit contracts, case studies, compliance materials, and legal memos for readability without compromising legal intent. These editors must understand complex legal language and help make dense materials clearer.
Editing Library
Looking to learn more about what a great editor does? Read these books:
- The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation by Jane Straus
- The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn
- The Copyeditor’s Workbook: Exercises and Tips for Honing Your Editorial Judgment by Erika Buky, Marilyn Schwartz, and Amy Einsohn
- Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
- The Editor’s Companion: An Indispensable Guide to Editing Books, Magazines, Online Publications, and More by Steve Dunham
- Garner’s Modern English Usage by Bryan A. Garner
- The Non-Designers Design Book by Robin Williams
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
- Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph Bizup and Joseph M. Williams
- The Subversive Copy Editor by Carol Saller
- When Bad Grammar Happens to Good People by Ann Batko