General Description of Class
The EDITOR ASSISTANT reviews and corrects both copy of text and related graphics to meet accepted standards of English and style to prepare for printing/publication of the materials.
Distinguishing Features
This is the first of a three-level series of classes. It is distinguished from the higher levels by working on less complex materials under the guidance of a fully proficient editor or other publications specialist.
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.
- Copy Review and Markup. Typical tasks: reviews job order to determine length, style, and format directions; reads copy through for meaning (may be hard copy or from disc or tape on VDT); goes through copy word for word to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax; uses standard editing marks to indicate errors and corrections required on hard copy or keys in codes or corrections at terminal for tape or disc copy; deletes unnecessary verbiage and arranges sentences and paragraphs in most readable manner; marks suggestions to change language, or to edit down or add to copy to meet length and style requirements; forwards marked up hard copy or print out of corrected and original from disc or tape to supervisor or author for review and approval.
- Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: uses cut and paste technique to join proof copy and graphics in correct alignments; measures and marks margins, borders, and allowances for graphics to produce camera-ready copy for printer; researches, when required, copy materials and references to be sure they are accurate; researches copyright coverage of quoted materials to determine need for permission to reprint or quote materials; learns and applies basic standards of graphic design to identify and recommend type faces, inks, paper, covers, and design elements to be used; consults with supervisor regarding major copy changes needed to meet length or style requirements; may work with graphic artists or other publication specialists in planning text layout and formatting; may learn coding and software systems and equipment operation for telecommunication of materials direct to printers; as proficiency is gained consults directly with author regarding recommended changes to text materials; may edit text of drafts for public speeches or drafts of radio, television, audiovisual, or motion picture scripts for accuracy and correct use of language.
Relationships with Others
Employees in this class have regular telephone or in-person contact with printing staff to discuss and plan paging and other technical elements of printed materials. As proficiency is gained there will be increasing telephone, in person, or written contact with authors to discuss editing changes recommended or required in materials. There may be telephone or in person contact with graphic artists or other publication specialists to discuss and plan for layout and positioning of graphics with text as well as selection of paper, covers, ink, and graphics to be used.
Supervision Received
Employees in this class receive work assignments in the form of hard copy, electronic disc, or tape copy of text along with general directions regarding editing requirements. Supervision by a fully experienced and proficient editor or other publications specialist will tend to be close until proficiency is attained, then supervision will tend to be general. Work may be reviewed in progress or as complete, depending on the nature and complexity of the assignment. Work is reviewed for accuracy, timeliness, and conformance to instructions, applicable style manuals, and publication standards. Guidance is received through consultation with fully experienced publication specialists, supervisor, and author and from applicable style manuals, dictionaries, type face, and paper catalogs and unit operating policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
- Two years of clerical experience in the publishing field in which the major responsibilities included the review of original copy to detect and correct grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors and the measurement of copy page element (columns, charts, illustrations, photographs, etc.) dimensions, spacing, and positioning for conformance to specifications; AND
- Be able to touch-type (proficiency level required varies according to individual position requirements).