Content editing

An original text destined for a publication must go through successive correction processes before and after layout. In the stage prior to layout, there will be at least three correction phases focused on the following aspects:

  • content editing, which we’ll talk about on this page;
  • editing, which is aimed at grammatical, lexical and discursive aspects; and
  • proofreading, in which the aim is to eliminate misprints and adapt the text to the typographic criteria of the publication. In some cases the same person can handle all three processes, but should preferably do so in sequential order.

Content editing of scientific or academic texts

Content editing is an in-depth reading of the text in which the coherence and truthfulness or authenticity of the information it transmits is analysed. If it’s a scientific or academic text, the content editor should pay attention to the following elements:

  • General text organisation: adaptation of the structure to the customary patterns of academic text; order of presentation of ideas; internal coherence between the parts.
  • Conceptual accuracy: correct use of terms, concepts and definitions; correct use of formulas and other analytical or methodological elements; argumentative clarity; elimination of redundancies and other superfluous elements.
  • Citations and references: verification of the cited sources and the corresponding bibliographic references.
  • Notes: coherent, systematic and accurate notes; assessment of whether or not they are relevant.
  • References: internal coherence and adherence of the references to the publication’s style standards; doing away with vague or uninformative references.
  • Tables and figures: comparison of data from tables and figures with their development or analysis; checking their integrity and consistency.
  • Article abstract: length, precision, clarity and coherence.
  • Headings and subheadings: length, accuracy, coherence with the content.

Correcting the content of a scientific or academic text requires a thorough knowledge of the academic discipline, the scientific method and the general guidelines for scientific publishing.

Content editing of narrative texts

On the other hand, when the text is narrative, the content analysis will focus mainly on the structural elements (time, space, point of view) and on plausibility and coherence in the way the characters are portrayed. In this case it’s advisable to have some knowledge of narratology and philological or humanistic training.

Content editing may not distort or rewrite the original text. The editor must consult the author on all queries raised by the text and must submit the edited text for approval, marked up and with correction annotations, before continuing with the editing process. The author has the last word, although the editing director can demand that the text conform to the editing criteria and choose not to publish the work if it doesn’t meet the established guidelines.

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