When
I meet with a new client, one of the first things I am asked about is the
difference between a Content Editor and a Copy Editor. Writers who decide to
self-publish are particularly confused about when, and if, they need to hire
different editors at each phase of the publishing process.
In
a nutshell, I explain it like this:
A
Copy (or Line) Editor checks for grammar, word usage, punctuation, and syntax,
and is the last step before final proofreading (which is formatting, or
typesetting, the manuscript for publication). The Copy Editor will check for
typos, misspellings, missing or extra words, and will work to make sure the
sentences flow smoothly and are well-written.
The
Content (or Development) Editor is all about the story, and should be the first
stop in editing the manuscript. Does the plot make sense? Is the timeline
consistent? Are the characters believable and likable? Does the pacing flow
throughout? Is the narrative consistent? The Content Editor works closely with
the writer to make important changes to the structure of the manuscript before moving
on to the other phases of editing.
Think
of the Copy Editor as the logical part of the brain, making sure everything is
technically correct about your manuscript. Whereas, the Content Editor is the
creative part of the brain, making sure the manuscript has the right feel and
imagination to it.
The
confusing part comes in because these two different editing roles can sometimes
blend into each other.
I
grew up with a mother, a grandmother, and three great-aunts who all taught
English, so I know a thing or two about grammar and sentence structure. This
means that, although I am a Content Editor, I will also make note of “wonky”
sentences, or correct grammatical errors when I see them, even though my focus
is at a higher level on Point of View, Plot Structure, and Character Arc.
This
doesn’t mean that, because I found a few mistakes in grammar, the writer doesn’t
need a Copy Editor for fine-tuning to be sure the manuscript is as clean as
possible before publishing. Both editors have a specific role, and focus on
different aspects of the manuscript.
Writers
might also be tempted to use Beta Readers instead of a Content Editor. This is not
a bad way to go, provided you have experienced readers who know what they are
doing. Too often writers send out to Beta Readers who are basically providing a
short review and not necessarily an in-depth critique of the entire work. Beta
Readers are a great step after content editing to give the writer an idea of
how the book might be received to an audience. But they aren’t necessarily a
successful replacement for a good Content Editor.
Bottom
line: Please don’t cut corners! There are far too many books and e-books out
there already that were rushed to publication, and it shows. Don’t be that author.
And
one more thing… You are not an “aspiring” writer.
You. Are. A. WRITER!
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| JULIE CAMERON |
BIO:Julie Cameron is an award-winning author and screenwriter of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. She sits on the Boards of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) in Colorado, and Writer’s Guild of Astoria in Oregon. She is a member of multiple professional writers' organizations.
As a content editor, writing coach and instructor through her company, Landon Literary, Julie is also a member of Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA), Colorado Independent Publishers Assn. (CIPA), and Northwest Editor’s Guild.
When she isn’t writing or working with clients, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fellow authors in the literary community.
