What's the difference between a writer and an editor?
A writer creates specific assignments, such as magazine or newspaper articles, marketing materials, research papers or web content. The writer performs the necessary research and interviews to gather material, within your agreed specifications and deadlines.
An editor reviews the accuracy and content of a written assignment in addition to correcting spelling and grammar. The editor also makes certain that the written product is in the correct format for publication in print, online or other media. In contrast, a proofreader is primarily responsible only for spelling and grammar.
To help your professional writer|editor help you, it's essential to remember that communication is a two-way path:
- keep your writer|editor in the loop on any changes or developments
- introduce your professional, independent freelance writer|editor to key members of your project team, establishing clear lines of communications and clarity on the assignment
- if you have a proprietary style manual for your organization, furnish a copy to your writer|editor
- make certain on the focus, format, audience and tone of the assignment
- make sure reviews and approvals stay on the schedule to which both sides have agreed
As with any experienced professional, an independent writer|editor will have questions and a series of considerations that may have never occurred to you. As they listen to you, you should listen to them, too. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that's not asked.
The most successful and effective writing|editing projects are when the client and their writer|editor are open, intelligent, with a healthy dose of humor and mutual respect for the collaborative process.
(c) 1996 Jessan Dunn Otis