| While we have many specific, stylistic and formatting rules for editing articles, there are also a number of subjective techniques as well. In this section, we include tips that should help make you a better editor.
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The editor’s dilemma: writer’s voice vs. grammar
by Steve Niles
Often times, you can recognize someone from their writing alone. This is because all writers possess a distinctive voice. The challenge for an editor is to make the necessary changes to a written work in terms of structure, grammar, and spelling without altering the distinctive voice of the author. The danger that comes when extensive re-writing of a piece is required is that you run the risk of adding your own voice rather than that of the author. In some cases, the change can be glaring, and though the reader may not know for certain what it is, something will seem definitely wrong. There is also the risk that the change in voice may offend the original author. You may use words or phrases they would never use, or you may come at the piece from a completely different worldview, thus inserting biases that may run contrary to the beliefs of the credited author.
The editor must succeed in polishing the work while preserving the author’s voice. A balance must be struck between the two.
Of course, here at ZATZ, we always attempt to preserve the author's voice, although we may have to heavily edit articles to make them suitable for publication.
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