Manuscript editing is an integral part of the publishing process. An editor can improve any write-up by eliminating errors, fixing grammar issues, and ensuring consistency.
An editor needs to remember some basic steps when editing a manuscript to improve its chances for publication.
The Five Cs
- Clarity
- Correctness
- Comprehensibility
- Conciseness
- Consistency
Basics of Editing
- Correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage
- Making sentences clearer, more concise, and more graceful
- Fixing language errors
- Maintaining a logical flow of the content
- Improving the flow of the manuscript
- Checking the figures for clarity and their correlation with the text
- Improving the tables to make them crisp and precise
- Checking the references for accuracy
- Ensuring that the specified style and format are followed
- Providing instructions to typesetters or graphic designer
- Asking the author about missing data or unclear text
Author Queries
- Missing information
- Inconsistencies (e.g., between tables and text)
- Ambiguities
- Possible inaccuracies
- Revisions that may change the meaning
Tools
- Dictionaries
- Style sheets
- Style manuals
- Journal guidelines
Skills Required
- An eye for detail
- Promptness in researching an unknown topic
- Abundant patience
- Passion and dedication toward your work
Rewards
- The joy of helping someone publish his or her hard work
- The feeling of pride when you see the article edited by you being published
- Enjoy editing—it can be immensely satisfying!!