Editing Editing (section)

{{Short description|Process of selecting and preparing media to convey information}}
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[[Image:Seattle Daily Times news editor quarters - 1900.jpg|thumb|"Quarters of the news editor", one of a group of four photos in the 1900 [[brochure]] ''Seattle and the Orient'', which was collectively captioned "[[The Seattle Times|The Seattle Daily Times]]—Editorial Department".]]

'''Editing''' is the process of selecting and preparing [[written language|written]], [[Image editing|visual]], [[Audio engineer|audible]], or [[Film editing|cinematic]] material used by a person or an entity to convey a message or information. The editing process can involve correction, condensation, organization, and many other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate and complete piece of work.<ref>Mamishev, Alexander, Williams, Sean, ''Technical Writing for Teams: The STREAM Tools Handbook'', Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, John Wiley & Sons. Inc., Hoboken, 2009, p. 128.</ref>

The editing process often begins with the author's idea for the work itself, continuing as a collaboration between the author and the editor as the work is created. Editing can involve creative skills, human relations and a precise set of methods.<ref>{{cite web|title=Encarta Dictionary definition of "editing" |url=http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/editing.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022154750/http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/editing.html |archive-date=22 October 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Encarta Dictionary definition of 'editor' |url=http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/editor.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206041848/http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/editor.html |archive-date=6 February 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Practicing editing can be a way to reduce language error in future literature works.<ref name=":6">Diab, N. M. (2010). Effects of peer-versus self-editing on students' revision of language errors in revised drafts. ''System'', ''38''(1), 85–95.</ref>

[[File:Editorial office of Bild newspaper, West Berlin, 1977.jpg|thumb|right|Editors work on producing an issue of ''[[Bild]]'', [[West Berlin]], 1977. Previous front pages are affixed to the wall behind them.]]
There are various editorial positions in publishing. Typically, one finds editorial assistants reporting to the senior-level editorial staff and directors who report to senior executive editors. Senior executive editors are responsible for developing a product for its final release. The smaller the publication, the more these roles overlap.

The top editor at many publications may be known as the [[chief editor]], [[executive editor]], or simply the editor. A frequent and highly regarded contributor to a [[magazine]] may acquire the title of editor-at-large or [[contributing editor]]. Mid-level newspaper editors often manage or help to manage sections, such as business, sports and features. In U.S. newspapers, the level below the top editor is usually the [[managing editor]].

{{anchor|Symposium editor|Volume editor}}In the book [[publishing]] industry, editors may organize [[Anthology|anthologies]] and other compilations, produce definitive editions of a classic author's works (scholarly editor), and organize and manage contributions to a multi-author book (symposium editor or volume editor). Obtaining manuscripts or recruiting authors is the role of an ''acquisitions editor'' or a ''[[commissioning editor]]'' in a publishing house.<ref name="PolandLouise">Poland, Louise, The business, Craft and Profession of the Book Editor, in Carter, David, Galligan, Anne, (eds.), ''Making books: contemporary Australian publishing'', Queensland University Press, 2007, p. 100.</ref> {{anchor|Sponsoring editor}}Finding marketable ideas and presenting them to appropriate authors are the responsibilities of a sponsoring editor.

[[copy editing|Copy editor]]s correct [[spelling]], [[grammar]] and align writings to [[style guide|house style]]. Changes to the [[publishing]] industry since the 1980s have resulted in nearly all copy editing of book manuscripts being outsourced to [[freelance]] copy editors.<ref name="PolandLouise" />

{{anchor|Press editor}}At [[newspaper]]s and [[wire services]], press or copy editors write headlines and work on more substantive issues, such as ensuring accuracy, fairness, and taste. In some positions, they [[news design|design pages]] and select news stories for inclusion. At British and Australian newspapers, the term is ''sub-editor''. They may choose the layout of the publication and communicate with the printer. These editors may have the title of ''[[News design|layout or design editor]]'' or (more so in the past) ''makeup editor''.

In film editing, many techniques are available for use, however, using one doesn't make your edit 'better' than if it were not to be used.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Orpen |first=Valerie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UtbhRnmQj3AC&dq=film+editing&pg=PA1 |title=Film Editing: The Art of the Expressive |date=2003 |publisher=Wallflower Press |isbn=978-1-903364-53-6 |language=en}}</ref>