Editing doesn’t get much attention. And, if it’s done well, it shouldn’t. That’s because good editing removes distractions so the audience can focus on the message being conveyed.

No matter how adept the author, any piece of writing benefits from a fresh set of eyes. A writer is invested in his or her topic. After conceiving, creating and completing a work, he or she is unable to view it as a first-time reader will. It’s a “forest for the trees” thing. An editor without the creative baggage can approach the work from the point of view of the intended audience and ensure that the message is received easily.

There are several levels of editing.

Proofreading involves finding and fixing grammatical, spelling and typographical errors. This makes the product more professional, easier to digest and more credible. Poorly composed, mistake-filled copy insults the reader. Many simply will quit and turn their attention elsewhere. An extra round of editing early in the publishing process will prevent a lot of trouble later.

Polishing integrates style, flow and word economy. A consistent style – referring to the same things the same way throughout – lessens the chance of distraction or confusion. A composition flows well when it is organized in a logical manner and transitions smoothly from one point to the next. Because readers have limited attention spans, effective copy is easier for them to digest.

Content editing tackles areas such as clarity and point of view. A writer presumably knows his or her topic. What’s important is that the intended audience gets it. Similarly, an author may approach a topic with different concerns than the readers he or she is targeting. A good editor makes sure an item conveys its points clearly and in a way that holds the interest of its audience.

Whether your project is a few paragraphs of marketing copy or a lengthy book manuscript, a seasoned editor can help you communicate your message with the audience in mind: short and to the point, easily digestible but not “dumbed down.”

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Stuart J. Robinson does writing, editing, media relations and social media through his freelance practice, Lightbulb Communications.

Tags: editing, writing