Contents
- What is editing?
- Who needs editing and why
- Types of text editing
- Main stages of text editing
- How editing differs from proofreading
- How much does editing cost
What is editing?
Editing is a comprehensive process aimed at improving a text before its publication. It involves checking and correcting various aspects of the material to make it more logical, understandable, and appealing to the reader. As noted by Maxim Ilyakhov, the rector of the "Editors' School of Gorbunov Design Bureau," text editing includes not only correcting spelling and punctuation errors. The editor also works on style, structure, and checks the factual accuracy of the presented information, adapting the material to the requirements of a specific publication.
Who needs editing and why
Editing materials before publication is important for both organizations and individual specialists. The main consumers of editing services include:
- Publishers: They need editors to release books without errors and to meet specific genre requirements.
- Mass Media: News publications are obligated to provide accurate information, which requires careful fact-checking and style assessment.
- Business: Companies use editing to maintain their image and convey messages more clearly to their target audience.
- Government and Nonprofit Organizations: These entities must adhere to high communication standards to maintain public trust.
Moreover, editing is important for authors, bloggers, researchers, and marketers seeking to enhance the quality of their texts and ensure they meet audience requirements.
Types of text editing
Text editing is divided into several types, each with its unique features:
- Literary editing: General improvement of material quality, including error correction, structure, and vocabulary assessment.
- Artistic editing: Applied in literary works to bring the text to a unified style and reveal the author's intent.
- Scientific-specialized editing: Preparation of professional and scientific texts with an emphasis on factual accuracy and data.
- Technical editing: Adjusting the text to specific technical parameters related to layout and formatting.
Main stages of text editing
Editing consists of three key stages:
- Initial proofreading: The editor's familiarization with the text, assessment of its structure, and correction of obvious errors.
- In-depth proofreading: Substantive editing, during which corrections are made to the logic and style of the text.
- Final stage: Checking for remaining errors and preparing the material for publication.
Additionally, SEO editing may be conducted to enhance the uniqueness of the text and improve its ranking in search engines.
How editing differs from proofreading
Although editing and proofreading have similar goals, they differ in their focus. Editing involves not only correcting errors but also actively participating in the creative process, improving the content and style of the text. Proofreading, on the other hand, focuses on the final check, correcting remaining spelling and punctuation errors after editing.
How much does editing cost
The cost of editing text varies depending on the complexity of the material and the experience of the provider. Typically, the price is set per thousand characters or per A4 page. As of 2024, the average cost of editing ranges from 150 to 400 rubles per 1000 characters. For more complex materials, such as books, the price is calculated individually.