Editing is an art and a science

Why does an editor make changes?

I make changes for various reasons.

Typography.

Sometimes I make changes for typographic reasons – for instance, to lengthen previous paragraphs so there is not just one line at the bottom of the page (a widow) or to shorten the text so there is not just one line at the top of the next page (an orphan).

Plain language

Sometimes it is to change text into plain language. For instance, I remove unnecessary adverbs (words ending in -ly that describe verbs). Often, I remove unnecessary clause connectors (like that).

Grammar, rhythm, assonance and alliteration

Sometimes it is to correct grammar, sometimes to improve rhythm, sometimes to create assonance (using words with the same sounds) or alliteration (using words with the same first letters).

I should be able to justify every change I make, if the client queries it. It is their work, not mine.

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