Physical Sciences Communication

Substantive editing

For substantive editing (also known as developmental editing or comprehensive editing), the editor considers a document’s concept, intended use, content, organization, design, and style. The purpose is to make the document functional for its readers, not just to make it correct and consistent. Substantive editing is almost entirely analysis based, whether at the document level or at the paragraph, sentence, or word level. Decisions require judgment, not just the application of rules.

In addition to the copyediting work, substantive editing may require significant modifications to be made to the document; for example, reorganizing and rephrasing entire paragraphs, modifying sentences, or, in extreme cases, altering the document structure. I also comment on style, word choice, readability, data presentation, etc. Where appropriate, I make suggestions about the logic or coherence of the document's argument.

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