Sub editing is also called copy editing. This is a very important part in the journalistic process. All content is reviewed through sub-editing before publish. Sub editors do this work, they are verify the accuracy, correctness of all contents. They also consider whether it is ok for publish. Above all, whether it fits the style and editorial policy of the magazine is determined by sub-editing.
So what journalistic works can we call sub-editing. Generally, checking spelling errors, correcting grammar, checking for errors of information, removing ambiguity in news stories etc. is called sub editing. Besides, sub-editors write story headlines, they make captions of all pictures and fill in information gaps in stories. All in all, a report is made suitable for publish or dissemination through sub-editing.
Overall, the goal of sub-editing is to improve the quality of the content and to ensure that it meets the high standards of the publication.
Sub-editors work closely with reporters and writers to ensure that their articles are polished and ready for publication. They may ask questions, request additional information, or suggest revisions to improve the clarity and accuracy of the content. In some cases, sub-editors may need to fact-check certain details or conduct additional research to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
They also play a key role in maintaining the overall tone and style of the publication. They ensure that all articles adhere to the publication’s style guide, which includes guidelines for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. They also work to maintain consistency in the use of language and tone throughout the publication.
Sub-editors may also be responsible for making sure that articles are properly structured and formatted for publication. This can involve breaking up long paragraphs, adding subheadings or bullet points to improve readability, or making other formatting changes to ensure that the content is engaging and easy to follow.
Sub-editing is a crucial part of the journalism process that ensures that articles are accurate, clear, and engaging for readers. Without sub-editors, it would be much more difficult to maintain the high standards of quality and professionalism that are expected of modern publications.
An example
Let’s say a journalist has written an article about a new medical treatment. The article is well-researched and contains a lot of technical jargon, but it’s not very clear or easy to understand for the average reader.
Before the article can be published, it would be sent to a sub-editor for review. The sub-editor would read through the article and make several changes to improve its readability and accuracy. Here are some examples of the changes the sub-editor might make:
Simplify the language:
The sub-editor might simplify some of the technical jargon used in the article to make it easier for readers to understand. For example, the sub-editor might change “metastatic carcinoma” to “advanced cancer.”
Check the facts:
The sub-editor might fact-check certain details in the article to ensure that they are accurate. For example, the sub-editor might confirm that the medical treatment being discussed is actually approved by regulatory agencies and is available to patients.
Improve clarity:
The sub-editor might rewrite certain sentences or paragraphs to make them more clear and concise. For example, the sub-editor might break up a long, complex sentence into shorter, simpler sentences to make it easier for readers to follow.
Edit for style:
The sub-editor might make several changes to the article to ensure that it adheres to the publication’s style guide. For example, the sub-editor might change the headline to better reflect the content of the article, or adjust the formatting to make the article more visually appealing.
By the time the sub-editor has finished reviewing the article, it will be a polished and professional piece of journalism that is accurate, clear, and engaging for readers.
