editing

(noun)

The process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audio, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete work.

Related Terms

Examples of editing in the following topics:

  • When to Use MLA Style

    • The most recently published editions of both works have been updated in light of advancements in computer word-processing programs and electronic and digital publishing practices.
    • The most recent version of the MLA Handbook is the seventh edition, published in 2009.
    • The most recent version of the MLA Style Manual is the third edition, published in 2008.

  • When to Use Chicago/Turabian Style

    • Its sixteen editions have specified writing and citation styles widely used in publishing.
    • The most recent edition of The Chicago Manual of Style permits the use of both in-text citation systems ("Author–Date" style, which is usually used in the social sciences) or footnotes and endnotes (this is called "Notes and bibliography" style, which is usually used in the humanities).
    • As mentioned above, the most recent editions of The Chicago Manual of Style permit the use of either in-text citation systems or footnotes and endnotes.

  • Step 6: Editing and Proofreading

    • After revising for purpose, you still have two levels of revision left: editing and proofreading.
    • When you move on to editing, the emphasis is clarity.
    • During the editing process you'll mainly want to consider language, construction, and style.
    • This doesn't work so well for editing, but it can really help with proofreading.
    • Therefore, it's a good idea to use both computer spell-checking, and good old-fashioned human editing with a red pen and paper copy!

  • When to Use APA Style

    • The most recent version of the APA manual is the sixth edition, second printing (which corrected errors found in the first printing), published in 2009.
    • The sixth edition introduced guidelines for citing online sources and online-access journal articles.

  • APA: Title Page and Running Head

    • Any word-processing program should allow you to edit the page header so that the same information appears on every page.

  • Step 7: Completing a Final Review

    • When you're done with all the steps of revision—revising for purpose, editing, and proofreading—make one final review of your paper.

  • Making Subject and Verbs Agree

    • Nevertheless, you should still be aware of subject-verb agreement when editing your papers, especially if they have gone through many revisions.
    • This is one thing writers may forget to edit.

  • Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus Effectively

    • Although the built-in dictionary that comes with your word processor is a great time-saver, it falls far short of college-edition dictionaries, or the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

  • Semicolons

    • For example, the first edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (1906) recommended placing the semicolon inside ending quotation marks.

  • Italics

    • The magazine Southern Living published an interesting article on traveling in the U.S. called "The South's Best Roadside Attractions" in the November, 2015 edition.