Questions about editing
What do editors do?
Editors help you improve your writing. A suitably qualified and experienced editor can help you find the right words, improve the structure, clear up problems with spelling, punctuation and grammar, and help you prepare a document for publication. An editor can also help you work with designers, indexers and printers.
Editors work in a wide range of fields. Some specialise in fiction, others in government reports, academic publications, children’s books, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles, and more.
What is a copyedit?
A copyedit is one type of ‘level’ of editing. It is not proofreading, and it is not a complete rewrite of the text. You can find out more about the various levels of editing from the Commissioning checklist.
How do I find and hire an editor?
Freelance editors in Canberra are listed in the Directory on this website. You should look for an editor with the skills and experience appropriate to the work you are publishing. It is worth reading the Guidelines on editing research theses before hiring an editor to work on a thesis (or any other work for which you are being marked).
How much do freelance editors charge?
Setting a price on an editing job can be tricky. Authors find it difficult to know the value of editing – is a low price better value for money than a higher price, or should the experience and reputation of the editor be taken into account? Beginning editors can have troublefinding a balance between undercharging and pricing themselves out of a job. Experienced editors who are good at what they do tend to know the value of their own work, and have no such qualms – if a quote is refused on the basis of price alone, there is always more work around the corner from someone who is willing to pay a fair price for good work.
Editor Pamela Hewitt surveys editors regularly, and includes some comments about pricing in her report.
How can I become an editor?
There is no set path to becoming an editor. Most editors have at least one university degree, many have worked in publications for many years and enjoyed the benefits of in-house training. If you are planning to set-up as a freelance editor, you should consider training, how much you will charge, and other business matters such as insurance. [read more]
What is accreditation, and do I need it?
The IPEd accreditation program aims to provide professional editors with formal recognition of their skills. Accredited editors have demonstrated their skills as an editor by passing the IPEd Accreditation exam. Because the exam has been held twice, not all experienced and proficient editors have yet had the opportunity to gain accreditation. You can read more about accreditation on the IPEd website.
What is the policy about editing a thesis?
Professional editors need to be clear about the extent and nature of help they offer in the
editing of research students’ theses and dissertations. Academic supervisors of research
students also need to be clear about the role of the professional editor as well as their own
editorial role. [read more]
