Content editing

This article has multiple issues. Please help or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (April 2017) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (December 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Content editing, also known as substantive editing, comprehensive editing, macro editing, or heavy editing, is a form of copy editing that evaluates the overall formatting, style, and content of a document in order to optimize visual design and comprehensibility. Comprehensive editors are a type of language professional.

General features[]

Content editing does not typically involve the use of a handbook, guide, or manual, and focuses instead on what will make the substance of the text more comprehensible based on the subjective assessment of the editor.^[1] The process often requires changes based on rhetorical questions related to ease of understanding and functionality. Content editing focuses on the general conceptual intent, content, organization, and writing style of the text in consideration.^[2]

Content editing can require effort beyond that of basic copy editing, and in particular demands editorial judgment, because guidelines are often less strict.^[1] It can be time consuming because it requires the entire document to be conceptually edited, requiring a scope broader than that of specific diction or syntax. This could mean reorganizing sections or restructuring the document as a whole.

Effective content editing can allow a confusing document to be more clear and precise, as well as easier to read. Content edits not only allow an improvement in readability, but also visual appeal. Tables, graphs, and placement of images can be components of effective content editing as well.

Applications[]

Content editing is a type of technical writing used not only in technical environments, such as manual or guide writing, but also used in academic and professional settings. It is used by students, professors, as well as professional writers. Additional applications include resume writing, grant writing, and research.

Complications[]

Unlike copyediting, which usually involves a set of rules, content editing has less strict guidelines, beyond the general requirement that the changes made result in better readability. It anticipates the needs of the reader, and so can lead to difficulty making more subtle changes, as it requires an understanding of the intended audience. Also, complications may appear if the content is edited by the writer themselves and (s)he may not see their own mistakes. Thus, in such cases editing tools are used to ensure the writing is error free.

References[]