Editors

[RPGnet Columns]

Post originally by Patrick Riley at 2003-08-07 08:36:19
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I would like professional editors to weigh in on this issue.

It is misleading to say "anyone can write" because not everyone can write well, write to spec, or write on time. An even bigger misconception is that "anyone can edit." Editing is difficult, time consuming, and a vital component to the creative process, and yet it so often gets left to unpaid volunteers or (horrors) the writers themselves.

Not only do editors have to deal with the usual issues of grammar, spelling, and writing form, but also they have to verify the content. If writing for d20, editors must double-check the use of the OGL which may include verifying material taken from other sources. If writing for GURPS, the editor has to cross-reference existing material for consistency. For any system, all sample NPCs have to inspected to verify they were constructed properly and "the points add up." Some editors will even perform fact checking, such as for a historical sourcebook. Do not forget that the editor is the bridge between the writer and the publisher, so good "people skills" are vital.

In short, the editor is *as important* to the quality of the final product as the writer.

-- Patrick
www.xenongames.com

[RPGnet Columns]

Post originally by Sandy Antunes at 2003-08-07 15:24:12
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Hi,

I would completely agree that editing is an uncommon skill. I don't think most people perceive that they can edit, though, unlike writing (where most people do think they can write). Editing is also less glamorous... few folks want to be editors.

It's very hard to find a editor, but most you find are decent. It's pretty easy to find a writer, but reliable ones are rarer. I'd guess it's only slightly harder to find a good editor than a good writer, but for the latter you're forced to slog through a slush pile, whereas for the former you need only check 2-3 resumes.

As for the border between writer and editor, at best they're a team. The editor shouldn't have to do all the D20 SRD checking. The writer shouldn't have to worry that their writing will be cut so much it's unrecognizable. Ideally, the editor will brief the writer at the start, go over an early draft with comments, then give feedback on a final draft so the writer can handle rewriters. A partnership. Ideally :)

Cheers,
Sandy
freelance
who has worked for great, supportive editors, and some middling ones, but never had a lousy one