Proofreading & Editing Editorial Ethics & Professional Practice

Question 1

What does 'preserving the author's voice' mean in editing?

Accepted Answer

Making edits that improve correctness without changing the author's unique style or tone

Answer

Preserving the author's voice means making only necessary corrections while respecting the author's distinctive writing style and tone.

Question 2

Which organization provides a professional code of ethics for editors in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

Answer

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) provides professional guidelines and a code of ethics for freelance editors in the United States.

Question 3

What is 'ghost editing'?

Accepted Answer

Editing a document anonymously without credit

Answer

Ghost editing involves an editor substantially improving a text — sometimes even rewriting it — without receiving public credit for the work.

Question 4

What should an editor do if they discover potentially factual errors in a manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Query the author to verify or correct the information

Answer

Editors should flag potential factual errors with a query to the author rather than silently changing or deleting the content — fact-checking is ultimately the author's responsibility.

Question 5

What is the significance of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in editorial work?

Accepted Answer

It requires the editor to keep the content of the manuscript confidential

Answer

An NDA requires the editor to keep the manuscript's contents confidential and not share or disclose the work to third parties.

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test

Proofreading & Editing Editorial Ethics & Professional Practice