Simple guidelines for editing Christian content

Christian Publishing is a key tool to help build people in the truth of the Word. Any content must then always must go through the editor’s desk for careful proofreading and editing to ensure the content aligns with the Scripture. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

The most important points for editing are clarity of content, accuracy to Scripture, and the target audience. When these points are kept in mind, editing can be done with definitive outcomes and with purpose.

1. Clarity of content

When content is precise, concise, without any redundant information, or repetition, it will engage readers in an effective way and impact their understanding as intended. It is the editor’s responsibility as much as the author’s calling to ensure content delivered is true and effective. When there is room for improvement in terms of removing repetitive statements, or better sentence structure, or explanation for certain unclear terms or messages, etc., the editor must raise author queries and comments faithfully to the author so good quality content can be generated with no compromises. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”(Colossians 3:23, NIV)

2. Faithful to Scripture

Christian Literature must stay accurate to Scripture. There must be no room for human interpretation that draws readers away from the actual truth as given in the Word. In certain key topics such as healing, the End Times, Bible prophecies, etc., there is a possibility of interpreting Scripture to match with personal experiences or more widespread beliefs, etc. An editor who is sincere and determined to stay true to the Scripture must do their due diligence in cross-referencing Scripture references and Scripture verses and discussing with the author about content that appears to represent Scripture inaccurately. The author and editor must have a good rapport to have transparent communication so there is an understanding of the common goal – to produce good Christian content faithful to Scripture.

3. Language and Tone

Determine the language and tone based on the target audience. If the target audience is a larger group, then a newspaper language style is ideal. A newspaper language style will be simple, crisp and clear. The aim is such that anyone who picks up the literature should be able to easily grasp the key messages the author wishes to convey. For Christian literature, it is always advisable to not use an informal tone or a casual tone. This doesn’t mean the tone should be condescending and judgmental; it simply needs to be respectful of the readers who are seeking to know more about the Gospel and Christ through the content. In this light, the editor must ensure the tone used is not disrespectful nor does it deliver a watered-down message. Ensure the tone retains the sanctity of the message conveyed.

4. Respect the Author’s Voice

Every author has a unique style of writing which we call the author’s voice. The author’s voice becomes very evident if he / she already has written many books and has a readership base. Their readers who have been consistently reading their literature can quickly identify the author’s voice. Hence, as an editor, it is vital to not tamper with the author’s style of conveying a point. A good editor within a short span of time can pick up the author’s voice. From then on, it is important that the editor takes every effort to preserve the author’s voice. For example, some authors deliberately use double negatives (example, not insignificant) and that becomes their style of emphasizing a point. It is tempting for the editor to alter the sentence in order to simply convey the point with a positive phrase. However, it is the author’s style to use this particular form of emphasizing using double negatives. The editor must avoid changing this specific style of the author. While the editor’s responsibility is to edit in order to deliver the message clearly to the reader, one must not replace the author’s voice with their own in the process.

5. Headings, tables, lists

One way to make improvement to content is the use of headings, subheadings, tabular data and lists wherever applicable. The editor must have an eye to identify content that lends itself to being delivered in a list form or as a table. When information is presented in these forms, readers can quickly grasp the key information shared and retain it in memory as well. So important dates, steps of a process, etc. can be presented in these formats. Always highlight these changes to the author for their approval.

6. Structure and Grammar

The basics of editing is to ensure there is structure in the content and grammar is used correctly. The structure of the content can be brought about by the use of headings and subheadings. In many cases, the author would have provided these. However, the editor can introduce new headings and subheadings if it helps the information to be structured better. The aim is to convey one main idea in a paragraph and introduce a heading or a subheading wherever there is more than one.

7. Review and Revise

There is always room for improvement when it comes to editing. Hence, judiciously utilize the given timeline for each project. At the outset of the project, determine the number of iterations to be done, the number of editors to get involved in the project, etc. to ensure there is a fixed timeline for review, revisions and delivery of the final content for typesetting and printing. Swap checking is a good way to ensure the final content is error free. Swap check is done by swapping the files between editors. A fresh pair of eyes can quickly identify errors that may have otherwise been overlooked when the same content is repeatedly read by the same person.

By following a structured and planned method of editing with adherence to key aspects as highlighted above, content can be delivered error free and of high quality for the readers to receive the message effectively. As an editor, always pray for wisdom and guidance for your work as there is as much responsibility on the editor as on the author to deliver content that is true to the Word and able to edify the reader. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)