Some texts are correct but not well written. Editing reworks these texts in the target language. It can also be requested independently of translation, and that is exactly why it must not be confused with revision: the criterion of one is the source text, that of the other is the target language itself.
Definition
Editing is the reworking of a text in the target language in terms of language and expression. The criterion is the target text. The scope is linguistic.
How it differs from revision
Revision compares with the source, editing does not. The criterion is different. The distinction is at the level of definition.
Its independence from translation
Editing is also requested for texts written as originals. The service is not tied to translation. The scope is broad.
What it covers
Flaws of expression, flow, word choice and consistency are dealt with. The text is made readable. The scope is defined.
What it does not cover
Factual accuracy and checking of technical content are out of scope. That job belongs to the subject-matter expert. The limit is stated.
Level of intervention
It ranges from light editing to extensive rewriting. The level is agreed at the outset. Expectations are aligned.
Writing down the level
The level of intervention requested is written in the order document. A level that is not written down is guessed, and the guess is mostly wrong. The record protects.
Alignment with the corporate voice
The text is brought into line with the organisation's style guide. If there is no guide, sample texts are requested. A basis is sought.
Adjusting to the target reader
The language level of the text is adjusted to the reader. An expert reader and a general reader want different things. The profile is asked.
Structural editing
The order of sections and the headings are reviewed. Structure affects reading directly. The intervention falls within the scope.
Intervention in length
Unnecessary repetitions are cleaned out and the text may become shorter. Shortening is not loss of information. The distinction is explained.
What to do when meaning is in doubt
If a passage with unclear meaning is found during editing, the author or the translation layer is asked. No correction is made by guesswork. The rule is applied.
Its use after translation
For translations that will be published, editing can also be requested after revision. The two steps complement each other. The order is preserved.
The competence condition
Editing is done by a person with strong writing skills in the target language. Knowledge of grammar alone is not enough. The criterion is writing competence.
The need for subject knowledge
In technical texts editing also requires subject knowledge. A person without it can spoil a correct sentence. The matching is done carefully.
Pricing unit
Editing is mostly calculated on the basis of time, because the effort depends on the condition of the text. The unit is explained at the outset. Transparency is ensured.
Preliminary examination
A realistic quote cannot be given without seeing the condition of the text. A short examination is carried out. The quote is based on it.
The limit with a poor text
For very poor texts, rewriting is recommended instead of editing. This recommendation is a matter of honesty. The decision belongs to the client.
Assessing the result
The result of editing may be found subjective, because the criterion comes close to linguistic taste; for this reason the assessment is tied to the guide and to sample texts. In this way the discussion rests on objective ground. A basis is established.
What it is confused with
Editing is often taken to be the same thing as revision, and in the quote one is written in place of the other. Yet editing never looks at the source; ordering editing for a job in which translation accuracy is expected to be checked means buying the wrong service.