The writing process includes many different steps, some of which often fall under interchangeable names depending upon the situation or the writer.
Editing is a classic example of a writing “step” with multiple identity disorder.
Consider some of these common names for editing:
“Looking Over”
“Peer Reviewing”
“Revising”
“Proofreading”
“Correcting”
Really, editing is all of these things and perhaps more.
It can be immensely challenging to edit your own work, if not impossible.
Some writers are excellent self-editors and can easily “look over” their own work to determine what needs to be “revised” before “proofreading” for errors and finally “correcting” the document.
But even the best writers need someone else to perform these steps for them. It can be immensely challenging to edit your own work, if not impossible.
Many writers (especially student writers) have their own shortcomings and weaknesses. Professional editing helps fill in the gaps.
Of course, the writer’s job is to create in the first place. No editor can substitute for that essential part in the process. But calling an editor in to diagnose your work can transform a mediocre essay or resume into something truly remarkable.
When your writing really matters, hiring a professional editor is essential.
