Got a Question?
These FAQs will answer most questions about editing as well as PEN membership. If the answer to your question isn’t here, contact our coordinator.
What is the Professional Editors Network?
What does an editor offer?
What types of service does an editor provide?
What are the levels of editing?
What is proofreading?
What is copyediting?
Substantive editing—what is that?
How does professional editing benefit a project?
I’d like to work with an editor, but I live in another state. Does that matter?
Who can join PEN and how much does it cost?
How do you come up with meeting ideas?
When and where are monthly meetings held?
Who plans the monthly meetings?
Does PEN have a paid office administrator?
How long has PEN been in existence?
Can anyone pay a fee to have a listing in PEN’s printed directory or online database?
How can I become a member of PEN?
What is the Professional Editors Network?
The Professional Editors Network (PEN) is a group of editors, writers, proofreaders, indexers, and allied professionals, who work with words. Although most members live in the Twin Cities, PEN has a few members who live in out-state Minnesota.
What does an editor offer?
An editor brings judgment, expertise, and imagination to your manuscript. She or he may hold an advanced academic degree or have training in a specialized field. An editor has spent years discerning nuances of grammar and syntax, and uses the English language with professional accuracy.
What types of service does an editor provide?
With care and attention to detail, an editor may work on several levels to ensure that your writing is accurate, concise, and logical. The type of editing required depends on several factors, including the shape of the writing, your goals for the project, and the complexity of the work. Because the level of editing you and the editor decide on affects the amount of time the editing will take, defining the scope before the project begins helps the editor stay within budgeted limits. Go to top of page.
What are the levels of editing?
There are essentially three levels of editing: light (proofreading), medium (copyediting), and heavy (substantive). For more detailed explanations, see below.
What is proofreading?
At the lightest level of editing, an editor corrects spelling and punctuation mistakes, obvious grammatical and syntactical errors, and inconsistencies. Every editing job includes proofreading.
What is copyediting?
A medium edit, also referred to as copyediting, requires more time than proofreading. At this level, the editor attends to writing style, deletes unnecessary words, substitutes new words for those used incorrectly or awkwardly, and ensures that words are placed in the proper order to convey your meaning. The editor may
also rearrange sentences within paragraphs to create a more logical flow of ideas.
Substantive editing—what is that?
If you are having difficulty with a rough draft, an editor can help identify where deeper changes can have a positive impact. In substantive editing, or heavy editing, the editor may suggest changes in the structure of the material, create a new outline, propose additions or deletions, recommend changes in tone or emphasis, and insert readability aids such as headings, italic or bold type, and lists. At this level, the editor may ask you to rewrite portions of the material or may do so at your request. Go to top of page.
How does professional editing benefit a project?
Increases clarity. The editor has asked basic questions such as: “Is anything missing?” “Can some things be restated?” “Will everyone understand this?” Few people ask more questions than an editor. Consequently, few readers will have questions when the editing is done.
Saves time and effort. After finishing a draft, you may lack the patience or objectivity for revision. But an editor approaches your manuscript with fresh eyes, an open mind, and the will to finish the task.
Saves money. Hiring an editor costs money, that’s true. But you’ll save money over the long term because an editor’s experienced touch reduces reading time and increases productivity.
Presents you accurately. Careful editing ensures that the picture formed in the readers’ minds is one you intend, not one that emerges accidentally.
I’d like to work with an editor, but I live in another state. Does that matter?
Not at all. Many editors work out of their own offices for clients all over the country. With email, fax, phone, and regular U.S. mail, it’s easy to get and return projects and to stay in touch.
Who can join PEN and how much does it cost?
PEN is open to any self-employed or salaried professional who makes a living with words. The cost to join is just $35. To remain a member, you have to renew your membership each year. Go to top of page.
How do you come up with meeting ideas?
Each spring, PEN members suggest ideas for meeting topics for the next year. Then at the annual planning picnic in June, everyone discusses them and chooses the 10 best ones for the next year. The first meeting of the year takes place in September.
When and where are monthly meetings held?
Meetings are held the second Tuesday from September through June of the following year. PEN holds a meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at different locations around the Twin Cities metro area. The meeting start time alternates; one month it starts at 1:30 p.m., and the following month at 6:30 p.m. If you want to know what’s coming next, check out our calendar.
Who plans the monthly meetings?
Various PEN members coordinate meetings. Once they have a meeting topic, it’s up to each person to determine the meeting format, get the speakers and find a location.
Does PEN have a paid office administrator?
No, we don’t. PEN is a member-managed group; all tasks related to PEN business and events are handled by members.
How long has PEN been in existence?
PEN has been around since 1984. We currently have about 125 members.
Can anyone pay a fee to have a listing in PEN’s printed directory or online database?
No. Listings in the printed directory or online database are member benefits. They and other member benefits are only available to current PEN members.
How can I become a member of PEN?
Joining PEN is easy. You’ll find complete instructions in our Join section. Go to top of page.
The Twin Cities Professional Editors Network (PEN) is dedicated to supporting salaried and freelance editors, writers, indexers, and allied professionals in their professional growth. Our members meet monthly throughout the Twin Cities in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Edina, and surrounding areas.
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