How much is enough?
In many organisations, a document will go through several basic stages before it is published. First, the author may circulate a draft for management or peer review. The next step may be to incorporate the reviewer's suggestions. If the author is now happy with the results then, unfortunately, that is all editing the manuscript may receive. It is simply handed to the nearest secretary to correct and print.
Best practice
OPS recommends that every project passes through three defined editorial stages.
- Content editing is a top-level review of the structure and content of the work. This is not only done by peer review, but also by the publisher while assessing the amount of work a project will entail.
- Copy editing may be recommended for a longer work. An author may benefit from a professional copy editor who will correct grammar and improve writing style.
After these two steps a manuscript is considered finalised and is now ready for typesetting. - Proof reading is the final editorial stage before publication.
Publishers need to be clear about how much editorial work is offered, the likely time it may take, and the costs involved.
Clients need to be clear about the amount of editorial services they want to commission, and the time and budget available for this.
