What are Substantive Editors?

What are substantive editors?

Substantive editors, also called structural editors, are the big picture people in the editing world. They have to

  • read the whole text,
  • ask as many questions as necessary to thoroughly understand the writer' intent,
  • and then decide the best possible structure for the material.

A novel and a dictionary need different structures. That is a self-evident example. But it points out that there is a form for every book. The material and the audience are part of the mix. 

The substantive editor will make sure the structure the writer uses will make it easy for the reader to understand the message.

This is more than just an outline, although an outline may be part of the editor's work. If there are gaps in the information, the editor will let the writer know. Many times the editor will suggest the writer cut parts that do not add to the message.

In a work of fiction, the substantive editor may comment on setting, characters, plot, and theme.

This is basic work. 

In a publishing house, once the contract is signed, the editor does a substantive edit. That means she reads the whole text and responds with "fix notes." These will ask the writer to make any large changes as outlined above. In a publishing house, there may be several exchanges between the editor and the writer before they decide they are ready to move to the next step, copy editing.

People looking for substantive editors or structural editors should also check the home page for other editing services.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
JackPopjesgoals

This is Jack Popjes and one of his published books. He and I worked on multiple projects. He's  met many goals.

Meet your writing goals in 2023.

Click to start NOW


Free Newsletter

Sign up below for

Editor's Notes 

Inspiration and Writing Tips 

and receive tips 
to maximize 
your use of MS Word.
 

Click for more information 
and archived copies...
 

Or sign up using the form below 
to start your subscription right away.

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Editor's Notes.