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Occupational Therapy Education |
The role played an editor in producing a manuscript is not
always obvious when observing the final product by itself. That is a good thing,
but the lack of notice can mean that a good editorŐs contributions are not
valued as highly as they deserve. An effective editor has a number of traits,
and I have attempted to glean some insight into these features. A survey of a
wide variety of personal insights, professional input, trade publications, and internet resources have yielded the following compilationÉ.
The editor plays an important role in developing a
manuscript, and the best editors serve as an ally and partner for the author
throughout the writing process. A thoughtful and careful author demonstrates an
awareness of language and careful phrasing, and desires to produce the best
manuscript possible. The editorŐs role is to help that manuscript develop.
ŇLine-editingÓ is when successive drafts of a manuscript are shaped and
reshaped until both the editor and the author are happy with the form and
content of the manuscript. ŇCopy-editingÓ is when the editorŐs tasks shift to
making the manuscript grammatically sound, to identify errors in syntax and
catch repetitions in words and in phrases, and to note inconsistencies in
details. A good editor is able to balance these types of editing tasks
according to the stage of the manuscriptŐs development. A considerate editor
also will provide comments that are legible!
Whatever suggestions an
editor makes, a clearly stated and strong rationale must be provided for the
change using language respectful of the authorŐs efforts. Justify the reasons
for the suggestions – from changing details (rewriting a sentence or
phrase, selecting an alternate choice of words) to suggesting large-scale
revisions (restructuring the entire document, removing or adding content). An
author can choose to ignore an editorŐs suggestions, but should consider
carefully the rationale provided by the editor. A good editor has invested time
and effort into the editing process and a wise author is respectful of that
gift.
From the editorŐs
perspective, a lazy or disorganized author produces work having no sense of
focus, where editorial concerns include jargon, obscure or repetitious
language, and sloppiness in spelling, syntax or grammar, or where statements
are made without follow-through, arguments are left dangling, or sections of
discourse are not linked to the main premise of the document.
Features shared by good editors:
1.
Motivates and encourages authors; shows enthusiasm; praises appropriately.
2. Cares
about making a story better, and has the skills to help make it better.
3. Is
honest, honorable, and candid – and tactful when pointing out areas that
need work
4. Is
thoughtful, thorough, and timely in providing edits.
5. Has good
ideas and is able to articulate the key elements supporting the story
6.
Understands that different writers have individual styles.
7. Has a
sense of humor.
8. Is
flexible and accessible.
9. ALWAYS
reads the manuscript from start to finish, sometimes more than once, before
making suggestions.
Questions? Consult your syllabus for further details, or stop by my office.
Comments?
Send e-mail to Jeff Radel
Back to the Top | Last Updated: 19 Dec 2011