These three roles can have plenty of overlap but here’s how I think they differ:
A proofreader finds spelling and grammar errors. That’s about it.
An editor rearranges your words and thoughts so they make more sense but still represent your tone and voice. A good editor adds value by recognizing what you’re best at and pushing you to do more of that. A great editor knows the person they are editing and truly understands their passions and what makes them tick.
A critic tells you constructively (in whatever tone you are capable of hearing) when you are off-base. Their criticism seldom addresses a single piece of your writing, but instead an entire body. A good critic will deliver their criticism gently, yet without pulling any punches. A great critic has to be a friend you trust or the criticism will never get through your natural defenses.
There’s a new critic and editor here at JimRaffel.com who happens to also be an awesome proofreader. Formal introductions will commence in about a month.
Proofreaders save my tail, editors make me sound better, and critics pose new challenges. I’m better for all their input.
Sarah,
I can’t help but go bwahahahaha to “Proofreaders save my tail” – how perfect is that!
The rest is also spot on – thanks so much for stopping by to share your thoughts.
Great to see you here.
Jim
Great post! The key to editing, as you say, is to help the flow (readability, if you prefer) of the copy without impinging on the writer’s voice.
Dan,
Yes and I am darn lucky to have a great new editor (My wife is equally fantastic but was running out of time to help me and in her words I just produce too much content 😉 )
JIm
Proofreaders are essentially obsolete, no? Replaced with software. Do media editors have certain agendas rather than to make the story its best? Finally, critics – ah, this is the spice of interactive writing.
Ray,
Proofreaders are not obsolete. I have yet to find software that figures out I used the wrong word entirely because I am that poor at spelling. I also think that’s why the person really has to know you to do all three of the roles justice.
JIm
Great thoughts. Once you reach a certain plateau of talent and recognition I think it’s almost mandatory to have someone else handle editing duties for your blog.That allows you more time to focus on the process of putting your thoughts to paper, so to speak, and letting the editor finalize the piece. Not to mention, focus on your business tasks as well.
Joshua,
Right now it might be actually taking more time. I email her the piece and then have to reformat after editing. That will change over the next 30 days or so as she takes on the WordPress “editor” role of JimRaffel.com. But yes, having help is key. 2011 is going to be so big my friend. 🙂
Jim