What Do Editors Look For?

Written by Mary V. Lancaster

On This Topic The Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing and Publishing The Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing and Publishing provides a fresh understanding and distinctively Christian examination of style and language. It covers all the basic rules of grammar, style, and editing and will be of immediate interest to Christian writers and editors. The Little Style Guide will be cross-referenced with the Chicago Manual of Style, Fifteenth Edition and will be a welcome companion to the CMS in handling concerns that are unique to Christian writing and editing.

What do editors look for in an article or other piece of writing? Good grammar? Sure, that’s important because good grammar results in good communication, helping the writer better convey his or her thoughts to the readers. As much as good grammar is important, however, there are other criteria editors look for when receiving an article from a writer. Different editors may have differing criteria, depending on the publication; but likely the ones mentioned in this article are some common criteria.

Does the Article Conform to Specifications?
When an article or other piece of writing is enlisted, the editor usually conveys in writing the date the article is due, the length of the article (often given as word count), what type of information is expected, and other relevant information.

Conforming to specifications and deadlines is necessary. The article must be on time; otherwise, it likely cannot be used as time is needed to edit and copyfit. Also, if changes, more information, or clarification are needed, the editor will have time to request them.

The editor reads the content with the audience in mind to determine if it is what was asked for, whether it contains up-to-date information and is backed up with verification of facts and other relevant data.

Word count is important, too. If the article is too long, the editor will have to cut copy (it’s excruciating for an editor to cut copy that writers have labored over, but it does have to be done at times to make the copy fit). If too short, then extra copy may need to be requested.

Is It Biblically and Theologically Accurate?
This criteria is so important that it almost goes without saying. Make sure the Scripture you quote is accurate. For any interpretation of Scripture, you may want to ask your pastor or another staff person to read it for theological accuracy before submitting the article.

Does It Speak to the Target Audience?
When writing, the writer must know who the audience will be. If you are writing an article for Secretary:FYI, your peers will be the main target audience. You are sharing information that will help them in some way in their personal or professional lives.

A suggestion that might help when writing is to picture in your mind one or two persons you are writing for. You might picture a ministry assistant who is new at her job and will benefit from your knowledge and experience. You also might picture a ministry assistant who is more experienced than you; however, that should not intimidate you. Everyone benefits from others; and in all probability, your article will contain information or ideas new to the experienced ministry assistant.

Does It Make Sense?
After completing a piece of writing, let it become “cold” and then reread it to see if it makes sense. If it doesn’t make sense to you, it will not make sense to the readers. It is suggested that when completing a writing assignment (or an unsolicited article you wish to submit), ask someone else (maybe more than one person) to read your article critically and make suggestions. Ask the person(s) to be truthful with you about whether the article makes sense, reads well, and would be helpful and/or informative to the readers.

Does It Have Good Flow?
I read somewhere that a good article can be compared to a train. First, there is the engine that gives the train power or momentum to move on the tracks. Likewise, in an article, the engine can be compared to the introductory paragraph. The introductory paragraph must catch the reader’s attention, or the article will not be read. There are several ways to write an eye-catching introduction: an illustration related to the subject of the article, a startling phrase or story, or maybe a question or questions to engage the reader. You can gain other ideas by looking at various articles to see the types of introductions used.

From the introduction, the article moves into the body of the article—the cars on the train. Each idea or point made should lead into another, carrying the reader into a succession of information, ideas, and so on. When appropriate, include examples, anecdotes, contrast, and other ways to enhance the material.

The caboose, or ending, should bring the article to a close. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as a summation of the material or a challenge to the reader.

As you write, keep these criteria in mind; and in all probability, you will be pleased with your writing, and so will your editor!

Mary V. Lancaster is a freelance editor and writer, living in Brentwood, Tennessee.

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