| In the publishing industry, different titles are given | | | | developmental editor might suggest moving entire |
| to different positions, each having a different set | | | | chapters or presenting them from a different |
| of responsibilities. Some of the most common | | | | perspective. They are fundamental in the overall |
| positions are ghostwriters, editors, and | | | | development of the book, but while some do |
| developmental editors. Each plays an important | | | | contribute some level of ghostwriting to enhance |
| role to the author who needs their services. Let's | | | | the flow of the material, they are not usually |
| take a look at each of them and define their | | | | responsible for the actual writing of the |
| contribution to the book writing and publishing | | | | manuscript. |
| process. | | | | Editor: The editor is the last person to receive |
| Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter is responsible for | | | | the manuscript. When the author has completed |
| writing a book. In exchange for a fee, the | | | | writing his or her book, it is then sent to the |
| ghostwriter completes the manuscript based on | | | | editor, who polishes it and checks it for accuracy. |
| the client's message, material, and ideas. They are | | | | The editor proofreads the book, checking it for |
| usually experienced writers who have knowledge | | | | spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, and also |
| of the publishing industry and help their clients | | | | ensures consistency throughout the story, |
| convey a compelling, interesting, and appealing | | | | correcting any areas which conflict. For instance, if |
| message to the reader. A ghostwriter can be | | | | the author stated that the main character had |
| asked to write a book without any input from | | | | brown hair, but later changed that to blonde hair, |
| their client, or they can be asked to communicate | | | | the editor would catch that and correct it. The |
| often, obtaining the author's unique message to | | | | editor also ensures proper word usage, verb |
| use as content for the book. The ghostwriter's | | | | tense, and consistent tone is used throughout. |
| byline usually is not included on the book cover, | | | | They look for areas which lack clarity, or are |
| and the author often doesn't give credit to the | | | | choppy or redundant. They are adept at making |
| ghostwriter for his or her services. However, | | | | sure the book follows a consistent pace, flows |
| some ghostwriters are given credit next to the | | | | well, and transitions between thoughts and ideas. |
| author's name, using "with the ghostwriter" or "as | | | | Some editors perform a minimal level of |
| told to" the ghostwriter. | | | | ghostwriting to meet these ends, and some |
| Developmental editor: A developmental editor | | | | provide suggestions to the author for alternate |
| does not write the book, but he or she is | | | | wording or layout of chapters; however, they are |
| responsible for assisting the author with the | | | | not expected to totally rewrite and/or rearrange |
| organization, layout, and delivery of their message. | | | | the content of the book. When the editor is |
| A developmental editor advises the author on the | | | | finished, the book is ready to be formatted for |
| next logical step in the presentation of the | | | | print. |
| material. It's common for developmental editors | | | | While most authors will not use the services of all |
| to add or eliminate characters in a fiction story, | | | | three of these professionals, each is valuable in |
| ideas or concepts in a non-fiction story, and to | | | | the book writing process, depending on the |
| assist the author with the story line. A | | | | author's needs. |