Editor

General Description of Class

The EDITOR reviews and corrects written materials to assure accuracy in spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax and modifies copy to conform to standards of style, length, and ease of understanding.

Distinguishing Features

This is the second of a three-level series of classes. It is distinguished from the lower level by performing with greater independence on a wider and more complex range of editing assignments. It is distinguished from the higher level by the absence of responsibility to arrange, write, and produce publications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination of the duties or tasks listed below.

1. Assignment Review. Typical tasks: reviews work order to determine copy purpose, length, style and format requirements; reads through copy (hard copy or on disc or tape through VDT) to obtain a sense of the material; consults with supervisor or author regarding probable audience and goal for material; discusses plans for format, use of graphics, kind of paper and ink (media) to be used in order to understand total product as it relates to editing process.
2. Editing. Typical tasks: reads copy, word for word (may be hard copy or from tape or disc on VDT) to discover and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax; marks copy with standard editing marks to indicate corrections; when working with electronic copy keys in appropriate action codes at VDT or computer terminal; moves or amends sentences and paragraphs to enhance clarity and continuity; changes or rewrites language (consistent with author's intent) to enhance clarity; deletes unnecessary verbiage, notes recommendations for or directly makes cuts or additions to text to meet production requirements; may recommend changes in typestyle, spacing or formatting to better accommodate graphics or to enhance readability or impact; makes, or obtains from printer, proof of edited copy; proofreads clean copy and marks any errors found; refers proof to author and or supervisor for review and approval.
3. Consultation. Typical tasks: consults with author on editing changes; explains style or format requirement of a given publisher or organization; explains reasons for recommended changes in language or organization of material (e.g., increased clarity, consistency, impact); if resistance is met, may have to persuade writer to accept changes required to meet style or format standards; refers unresolved problems to supervisor or manager before continuing with job; consults with graphic artists or designers regarding elements of design (paper, ink, size, use of graphics or other materials) that will have an effect on final editing; consults and coordinates with printers regarding production planning schedules; consults with author and/or supervisor regarding copyright matters (e.g., permission to quote or reprint or application/registration of materials); marks up or keys in final approved copy to produce or obtain new proof, for typesetting by printer.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: performs library research of general subject matter or specific references in text to verify accuracy and reliability of materials; researches copyright status and need for permission to quote or reprint materials in text; obtains (directly or through author or supervisor) legal permission to quote or reprint protected materials; composes (with author's permission) revisions, brief introductions or explanatory notes to be incorporated in final copy; may use computer terminal or photocomposition terminal to perform editing tasks (learns and uses one or more coding systems) and may set type and impose copy on such equipment for telecommunication to printer; may operate electronic printers to obtain proof of edited copy; may edit drafts of speeches for clarity, organization and effective use of language; may edit scripts for audio-visual, television, radio or motion picture productions; researches and reads in specialty fields to gain working knowledge of subject matter being edited; works on several editing projects at once, setting own task priorities based on production deadlines, author's schedules and other production variables; develops and uses effective listening and oral communication skills in order to work with variety of authors of varying temperaments and skill levels in resolving editing problems; uses cut and paste technique to make camera ready layouts of text and graphic materials for final approval by author and or supervisor; performs special writing (including summaries or abstracts of printed works) or research related to editing jobs when requested by supervisor; maintains currency in field, including developments in editing equipment and systems, publisher and organization style requirements, graphics resources, and processes and procedures related to editing, by reading trade publications and attending training when provided; may specialize in editing specific types of publications or specialized subject matter.

Relationships with Others

Employees in this class have frequent telephone, in-person or written contact with a variety of authors to discuss, clarify and persuade about changes needed in copy being edited. There is frequent telephone or in person contact with printers or graphics specialists to discuss and plan production of materials being edited. There may be occasional telephone or written contact with copyright holders to arrange for permission to quote or reprint protected material.

Supervision Received

Employees in this class receive work assignments and general supervision from a unit supervisor or manager. The employee works with considerable independence in making the majority of editing decisions but must consult with the author or supervisor regarding any substantive changes to be made in material being edited. Work is reviewed both in progress and as complete for accuracy, timeliness, effectiveness and conformance to required standards of style and formatting (institution, publisher or unit). Guidance is provided through consultation with author, supervisor, publication specialists (graphic artists, designers, printers), and in various style manuals, dictionaries, library resources, applicable laws (including copyright law) and department or division rules, policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or related field; OR

• Four years of publishing experience equivalent to an editorial assistant working under the direction of an editor preparing written material for publication. Duties must have included reading copy to detect errors; verifying facts; rewriting or modifying copy to conform to publications style and editorial policy; marking copy for typesetter using standard symbols; reading galley and page proofs to detect errors; and using standard proofreading symbols to indicate corrections; OR

• An Associate's degree in Journalist and two years of the above experience.

NOTE: Proficiency in the use of microcomputers including desktop publishing software may be needed.