Revisors

Revisors are individuals who revise something—typically texts, documents, or statements—by reviewing, correcting, and improving them before publication, dissemination, or official use. The term is broad and can apply to editors, proofreaders, and professional auditors in different fields. The plural can be revisors or revisers, depending on variant spelling.

In publishing and education, a reviser performs substantive edits to enhance clarity, coherence, and accuracy; they may reorganize sections, rewrite passages, and verify facts, figures, and sources. They differ from copy editors, who focus on style and grammar, and proofreaders, who fix surface errors, and may work on drafts, textbooks, or scholarly manuscripts.

In law and public administration, a statutory or legislative reviser is an official or office charged with revising and codifying laws and regulations. They examine existing statutes for redundancy, inconsistency, or outdated terms, proposing wording changes that preserve original intent while improving structure and accessibility.

In accounting and business, the title revisor or revisor fiscal is used in some jurisdictions to designate external auditors who examine financial statements for compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. They prepare audit reports and may assess internal controls.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin revisus, meaning “looked at again.” The concept of revision spans professions and languages, reflecting the common goal of ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity through careful review.