editing

Editing is the process of reviewing and revising text or other media to improve quality, correctness, and effectiveness. It involves changes to content, structure, style, and language, and may include fact-checking and citation adjustments. Editing is distinct from proofreading, which focuses primarily on surface errors, and from writing itself, which creates content.

Editing occurs across domains, including literature, journalism, academic publishing, film and video, software, and digital media. It can be structural, focusing on organization and argument; line or copy editing, addressing sentence flow and consistency; or substantive/editing for depth and accuracy. In media, editing also means selecting, ordering, and shaping material.

Typical editors work with an author or producer through rounds of revision, using style guides, fact checks, and track changes. Tools range from word processors and citation managers to specialized software for video, audio, or code. Workflows vary by field but share goals of clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

Core editorial principles include audience awareness, factual integrity, and fair representation of sources. Editors mitigate bias, ensure attribution, and safeguard ethical standards such as avoiding plagiarism and honoring confidentiality. They strive to preserve author intent while improving readability and credibility.

Effective editing enhances trust and reproducibility, supporting informed decision-making in journalism, scholarship, and public life. It is a collaborative, iterative process that balances critical judgment with respect for authorship and context.