Overview: Editing

In this unit, we will cover editing methodologies. Because many authors write in Microsoft Word, most of the methodologies described take this into account. However, these methodologies can be easily adapted to work in other word processing environments.

You may choose to edit a manuscript in-house, use a freelancer, or suggest that the author use some of their funds to hire a copyeditor. Open Textbook Network members may also request an estimate from Scribe to procure their services.

Learning Objectives

Define copyediting and proofreading and how they benefit the published open textbook
Familiarize yourself with the editing resources available for supporting your authors
Consider how the editing workflow will work in your publishing program

Glossary

Editing: Changing content in collaboration with the author.

Copyediting: Using the designated style sheet for the project, and with the author’s voice, intent, and audience in mind, thoroughly review the entire manuscript to ensure all required elements are present and in keeping with the style guide, checking specifically for grammar, syntax, and readability.

Proofreading: Checking for typographical errors, often after the project has been typeset. Proofreading differs from copyediting in that it is a lighter review and involves checking for typographical errors, which copyediting does not. While an author may request proofreading alone, it is recommended that proofreading be performed in conjunction with copyediting to ensure that the manuscript is as free of errors as possible.

Style Guide: A style guide is an established set of general rules that pertain to all projects of a certain field or a certain publishing house.

Style Sheet: A style sheet is created by the editor while copyediting a manuscript. A style sheet is specific to a project.