Writing is a fundamental part of a career in academia, as it serves as the primary medium through which researchers share their findings and contribute to their fields. Whether it’s a research report, thesis, or journal article, the quality of writing significantly impacts how work is perceived and understood by peers and the broader academic community.
However, despite the countless hours spent researching, collating, and analyzing data and crafting manuscripts, many researchers face the frustrating reality of journal rejections. In fact, according to Hall and Wilcox’s research, 62% of published papers have been rejected at least once.¹
One of the key reasons for this is lack of editing. Regardless of how innovative or groundbreaking your research may be, if your manuscript is poorly written, lacks coherence and relevance, and does not meet the scope and format of the journal submitted, it is more likely to face rejection by the editor. That is why editing is so crucial.
Why editing is important?
Editing helps enhance readability, eliminates language and grammatical errors, checks on adherence to required scope and format, and, importantly, significantly improves the credibility of the work, making it more likely to be accepted by journals. In this article, we will explain the different types of editing and see how each type serves a distinct purpose. We will also discuss how to choose the proper editing method for specific academic needs.
Types of Editing
Understanding the different types of editing is vital for researchers seeking to improve their writing. Let us take a look at each type –
Developmental Editing
Considered to be the first step of the editing process, developmental editing, also referred to as substantive or content editing, focuses on a manuscript’s structure and content. This type of editing looks at the big picture assesses whether ideas are clearly developed and logically organized, checks on the flow of ideas and clarity of arguments, and examines the overall coherence of the narrative. Given that this often involves a fair amount of rewriting or revision, editors work closely with researchers to provide feedback that can improve manuscript quality.
Structural Editing
Similar to developmental editing, structural editing evaluates the manuscript’s framework and ensures that arguments are presented coherently while maintaining a consistent voice and tone throughout the document. Editors focus on rearranging sections and suggesting changes to ensure that each section transitions smoothly to the next.
Content Editing
Content editing is a broader process that involves reviewing all content to ensure that it is relevant, accurate, error-free, and well-supported by evidence. Editors check facts for consistency, verify references, assess the completeness of arguments, and focus on the depth of information presented.
Line Editing
This involves fine-tuning word choice, sentence structure, and overall style to enhance readability and engagement. It is used to check the clarity and effectiveness of each sentence with the aim of reducing the chances of misinterpretation. Here, editors focus on the flow of writing, suggest changes to improve the rhythm and flow, and eliminate redundancies or awkward phrasing – all without altering the manuscript’s essence or meaning.
Proofreading and Copyediting
This type of editing checks and eliminates grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors. Editors meticulously follow specific style guides, such as the APA, MLA, or Chicago style guides, to ensure consistency in terminology and adherence to publication standards. This step is less about content changes and more about ensuring that the document is error-free and submission-ready.
Choosing the Right Editing Method
When you are ready to begin the editing process, it is important to assess your specific needs before making a decision on the best approach to be used. Here are tips that can help guide your decision:
- Identify the stage of your writing: If you are still in the early stages of writing and have completed the first draft, it may be a good idea to employ developmental editing editors to ensure that your manuscript is impactfully structured. Copyediting and proofreading can be done at the final stage—when your manuscript is completed.
- Define what you want to achieve. If you want to enhance readability, line editing may be required. On the other hand, if you need to ensure accuracy in technical aspects, content editing may be a better idea, as it will help with fact-checking and verifying information.
- Know your budget: Professional editorial services come with a fee. Whether you choose online services and tools or go with individual experts, different types of editing are priced differently. Knowing just how much you can spend will help you identify the right resource.
- Seek recommendations: It is always a good idea to check with peers and mentors for personal references on editing services. This can help you narrow down your choices.
- Evaluate the editor’s expertise: It is essential to ensure that the editorial service, tool, or expert you have chosen is experienced in your academic field. Expertise in technical terms, citation styles, and journal requirements is essential for accurate editing.
Understanding the different types of editing and choosing the one that is right for you will help you improve the overall quality of your manuscript and prove invaluable when you are preparing to submit your manuscript to a journal for publication.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17301708/
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