What It Takes: The 6 Real Skills Behind Professional Editing

It happens more often than you’d think. I’m minding my own business, having a casual chat when, as always, the topic of work comes up. “Oh, you’re in editing? I wouldn’t mind doing that, I’m really good at English.”

Fair enough, I get it. If someone’s genuinely keen to learn and make a little extra, I’m all for it. Not to mention it’s a nice work-from-home gig. We’ve even helped a few promising editors rise up through the “lofty halls” of Harvard Ink—though, I’ll admit, our halls are more metaphorical than architectural!

But it’s the ones who brush off the entire craft of editing—language mastery, writing precision, and all the nitty-gritty skills as “easy” that really get my goat.

At this point, I take a deep breath. I fight the urge to stare into the distance like I’m in one of those documentaries about people who’ve seen too much. Instead, I go for the polite approach:

“Oh, lovely! What sort of editing experience do you have?”

Cue the blank stare. And then, the usual response: “Well, they got good marks in English,” or, “They’re good at spotting mistakes,” or (my personal favourite within amateur writing circles), “My [aunty/sister/friend] does it for me—she used to be a [teacher, accountant/bumblebee trainer] and she’s great at noticing errors.”

Now, don’t get me wrong—good grammar, a sharp eye, and a love of reading are all solid attributes. But saying someone might be a good editor just because they did well in English is a bit like saying, “They make a mean cup of tea, so they could definitely run a café.”

Real editing, good editing, takes years to master. It is a craft that combines theory, practical application and at least some hard-knocks experience. It is not something one simply walks into, although once there you may feel like you are in Mordor.

Editing isn’t just about fixing typos—it’s a reflexive skill, a mastercraft, and, depending on the client, an extreme test of patience.

Not anyone can be a good editor. So how do you know if someone has what it takes?

What It Actually Takes to Be a Proper Editor

An eye for detail—the kind that spots an extra space in a 50,000-word manuscript.
An eagle’s instinct for mistakes—not just the obvious ones, but the sneaky little devils hiding in plain sight.
Professional editing experience—because “fixing your mate’s Facebook rants” doesn’t count.
A deep understanding of language and punctuation—knowing why things are correct, not just that they are.
The ability to respect a writer’s voice—editing isn’t about imposing your style; it’s about refining theirs.
The patience of a saint and the diplomacy of a UN negotiator—because “your writing needs work” is a phrase best delivered with care (and possibly biscuits).

And Then, There’s the Knowledge

You don’t need a degree in English (although it would help), but you do need:

A high-level grasp of grammar, syntax, and style (not just “I read a lot”).
Familiarity with different editing styles—Chicago, APA, Oxford, and that one client who insists they’ve invented a better way.
An understanding of language trends and purpose—because what worked in 1995 won’t necessarily work now or on every script.
The ability to explain edits without making the writer cry (most of the time).

Editing isn’t just about “fixing” writing; it’s about sculpting it, coaxing unruly words into place like grooming a grumpy cat—firmly but gently, without getting scratched.

And with AI churning out content and the internet brimming with would-be writers, proper editing has never been more important. So, should you trust your hopeful next-door neighbour or an old school friend who “always loved books”?

Compared to the real deal, absolutely not.

Want to Become an Editor?

Online Study Tools and Resources

If you’re serious about acting like an editor, or even becoming one full-time, start by taking professional editing courses. To master your craft, it’s important that you keep learning and growing. Consider the following online resources—as well as some corresponding key phrases—which you’re welcome to use to facilitate your learning experience:

Poynter News University—Fundamentals of Editing
Coursera (Audit for Free)—Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order (University of Michigan)
Alison—Proofreading and Copyediting
The Open University—English Grammar in Context
Edit Republic—no key phrase here, just go to Resources, then Free Training & Resources
Chicago Manual of Style—Free Citation Guide
Purdue OWL—Grammar & Editing Resources

Practice Tools

Slick Write (a writing analysis tool)
Project Gutenberg (books in the public domain: a great way to test your editing knowledge against what was done before)
Hemingway Editor (for tightening writing)

Tips to Live By

Practice with real editorial tests.
Work under experienced editors before going solo.
Think about joining a recognized editing association—there are plenty out there, like the EFA, CIEP, and EAE. Not only do they boost your credibility, but they also connect you with industry standards and fellow professionals.

Or, if you just want your words polished by someone who already knows what they’re doing, Harvard Ink is here to help. Because your writing deserves more than a spellcheck and a prayer. Get in touch with us today and let’s elevate your words to the next level!

Photo by Anne Karakash, 2016, Pixabay.