Reflective Post #6: Various Roles of an Editor

As I complete my work on my first long-term project, I am reminded of discussions I have taken part in during my Professional Writing and Editing courses concerning an editor’s participation in the creation of a document. I remember discussing the differences in the role of an editor depending on when he or she begins working on the project. I have considered whether it is more productive for an editor to be involved in a project from the start, before the actual writing begins, or to view the document after it has been created. When an editor has the opportunity to work with the writer from the start, he or she can offer input on stylistic choices as well as the format of the text. Also, the editor can correct grammatical errors early on so that the writer does not frequently repeat mistakes. Still, an editor who has not been involved in the composing of a document brings a different perspective to the writing and can notice flaws in a document that the writer and even other editors have overlooked. Though an editor’s responsibilities and level of involvement with a document may vary, his or her presence in the writing process works to ensure accuracy and reader usability.

My own editing and revisions thus far have mainly involved previously completed documents. I have found that I enjoy this type of editing because it allows me to learn from writers that currently work for NW3C or who have worked for the company in the past. Although I offer my own opinions concerning the text and possible changes to the documents, I continue to take note of the ways that NW3C writers present complex information and how they direct their writing to meet the needs of their intended audience. I feel that paying attention to these details will be helpful as I continue to complete tasks involving writing, editing, and revision in the future.

In addition to considering the diverse roles of an editor in a professional workplace, I have also started to think about how an editor’s level of expertise influences his or her edits and revisions. At first, I thought that my lack of experience with and knowledge of white collar crime may become an obstacle in my work as an intern. However, I now realize that many of the individuals who take the courses created by NW3C are not experts in the field. Therefore, I hope that I bring insight into how a student who has not been previously exposed to the course subject may respond to and learn from the presented information. As I continue my work, I hope to learn more about the study of white collar crime, as well as how the curriculum developers at NW3C communicate information to course students.