The role of editors in Christian publishing is much the same as editors in general traditional publishing and self-publishing. Their role is to help the author create a polished quality book that goes out into the world to accomplish the job for which the author wrote it. To begin with, let’s understand that the word “editor” is not one-size-fits-all.
The types of editors correspond to various types of editing. Let’s examine 4 primary ones.
Types of Editors and the Edits They Perform
Developmental/substantive editors look at big-picture aspects of a manuscript. In fiction, it’s plot and character development, point of view, et cetera. In nonfiction it’s structure, organization, and flow, among others. Moreover, the editor does not edit your manuscript per se but rather points out the strengths and problem areas and suggests possible solutions.
Content editors dive in a bit closer than developmental editors; however, they look at the content with the intention of refining the voice and that it speaks to the target audience.
Copyeditors, according to The Copyeditor’s Handbook, are concerned with “imposing mechanical consistency; correcting infelicities of grammar, usage, and diction; and querying internal inconsistencies of fact or tone.” A copyeditor is expected to catch typographical errors, but you should know that a copyeditor is not the same as a proofreader. I expect this is what most writers imagine in regards to editing.
Line editors work line-by-line, just as content and copy editors do, but they are more in-depth and nuanced than copyeditors. They have a greater focus on style and tone.
Please realize not all these edits need to be performed. The developmental and content edits can overlap, as do the copy and line edits. Many editors specialize in developmental editing and others in copy or line editing only. Each of these exists in all aspects of the publishing industry.
The Differences Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing
Self-publishing gives you total control over your book. As the writer, you manage every aspect of your manuscript’s production, including editing, typesetting, cover design, and publishing. However, this doesn’t mean you need to perform each task yourself. Instead, you are responsible for hiring and paying for the necessary help.
In traditional publishing, the publisher manages the physical and financial responsibilities for your book. But this means you don’t have total control. They decide on the interior layout and cover design (though they may give you some voice); they decide on the publication date and other things too numerous to mention here. The point is: they control your book.
Editors in general/secular traditional publishing will also ensure your manuscript adheres to their style manual—use of the Oxford comma, for example—and any house style they may have. This could mean they make changes to your manuscript that you prefer to avoid. These changes should not include edits that would alter your message.
The Role of Editors in Christian Publishing
The role of editors in Christian publishing is the same as in traditional and self-publishing except for the Christian aspect. Moreover, this becomes very important when you are considering whether to traditionally publish or self-publish.
Christian traditional publishers often require your book to support their specific religious doctrine. For example, a Lutheran publishing house isn’t likely to publish a book that teaches Catholic doctrine. Editors in these organizations will edit your manuscript to ensure it aligns with their stance on biblical doctrine. More importantly, this could significantly impact your manuscript.
They will also ensure your book follows their style manual—whether pronouns referring to God are capitalized or not, for example—and house style, which might include quoting only from the King James Bible. You have no control over these types of edits. Therefore, thoroughly read a publisher’s guidelines. If they have requirements like these, they state them there.
In the realm of Christian self-publishing, authors don’t face the above challenges. You are 100 percent in control of what happens to your work. Editors may question or challenge something you’ve written—that’s their job—but you have every right to say no to suggested changes. (You can so no to edits within traditional publishing but must have strong reasons but that doesn’t guarantee edits won’t be made.) Ensure you aren’t saying no for emotional reasons or just because.
Tips for Hiring a Christian Editor
I generally encourage Christian writers to hire a Christian editor because that editor can
- spot biblical errors of fact
- suggest biblical additions
- suggest changes that strengthen the biblical message
- communicate with you about your book from the common ground of your faith.
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that there is little difference between these roles in traditional and self-publishing. However, be advised that any editor, whether in Christian publishing or not, should never revise your manuscript in a way that strips your voice from your writing or imposes their own views on your message. Furthermore, maintaining your unique voice is essential, regardless of the type of publishing you choose. Take the extra steps of performing due diligence with any one you consider hiring.
Always remember the primary role of the editor is to help the author produce a polished quality book.
Author bio: Debra L. Butterfield is the author of ten books that includes Self-editing & Publishing Tips for the Indie Authors. She is a freelance editor, editorial director of CrossRiver Media Group, and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family. She blogs about writing at TheMotivationalEditor.com. Download her self-editing checklists here.
Resources for the Role of Editors in Christian Publishing
Recommended Reading
- Christian Editors: What you need to know
- What to Look for When Hiring an Editor
- 5 Editing Mistakes to Avoid: For nonfiction books
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