Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Saturday, 25 April 2009 11:43
Q: I'm a good writer, so why do I need an editor?
All writers need editors to improve their text. Even the J K Rowlings and Dan Browns of this world have their work edited - and most celebrity books are ghostwritten.
There are many authors who think they are God's gift to readers, but can't get published. So they pay to get their book published by a 'vanity publisher'. But if you've ever picked up a book that's been self-produced in that way, and compared the text with a professional book, the contrast in quality is only too obvious. That difference is made by an editor employed by the publisher.
But in the normal work of businesses, charities and missions, the editor's work is about effective and accurate communication that supports and builds your customer list or supporter base.
It's not just a question of proofreading for spelling and typing mistakes, nor just grammatical errors (and you certainly can't rely on your computer spellchecker for those things!). It can make the difference between a piece of literature being binned or eagerly devoured, and between a web surfer exiting your website after five seconds on the home page, or staying to read several pages and buying your product or signing up for something. It can be the difference between an advert being a complete waste of money or earning you thousands.
Editing is about ensuring the style and content of writing is appropriate for the target reader, is engaging and accessible, and perhaps even entertaining. Copy-editing also involves checking that all facts, references and quotations are accurate (and avoiding lawsuits for libel or breaking copyright!). And the editing process can include project management - e.g. managing a magazine from concept all the way through to print.
Even editors prefer to have their own writing checked by someone else, because no one is immune from mistakes.
Q: What subjects do you specialise in?
Over the years I've edited text covering almost all subjects imaginable. The only limit would be subjects that require technical or specialist knowledge that I don't have.
I'm prepared to write on virtually any general non-technical subject, but over the years I have gained a lot of experience in:
- biblical issues for Christians
- writing news stories
- commenting on news
- evangelistic and apologetic writing with non-Christian readers in mind
- evolution, creationism and intelligent design theory
- biblical history and archaeology
Q: Why use a Christian editor?
If you are a Christian mission, charity or church, or a Christian business selling mainly to a Christian market, don't you want someone who understands the people you work with, work for or sell to? If you are communicating to Christians, then you need someone who understands Christian communication, and if you are a mission reaching out to non-Christians, you want someone who understands the Gospel. It's just the same as if you need your car fixing - you should use someone who understands cars!
Admittedly, there are many fine non-Christian editors, but do they really understand your Christian ethos, mission, market or supporters? And can they handle biblical concepts and theology when needed? Do they know what sorts of expressions will annoy or offend your supporters or customers? Do they know the kind of appeal, statement or offers that will 'tick the box' for a Christian reading your material or your blog?
I also have many years' experience of working in the Christian media, across the denominational spectrum, and I'm aware of the sensitivities of different Christian traditions.