Do you know what an ELT writer does? What about an ELT editor? Although both are extremely important, they are different editorial roles and, as such, have different responsibilities.
The ELT writer…
is mainly responsible for writing the content (Student’s Book, Teacher’s Book, Workbook, lesson plans, worksheets, etc.).
usually writes from scratch.
is normally hired as a freelancer by publishers.
writes the materials according to the briefing and scope and sequence provided by the publisher, considering aspects such as structure, target audience, style, learning objectives, etc.
more often than not has to make changes in their work according to the editor notes.
can also be called an author or a content writer.
The ELT editor…
is the one who conducts, shapes and guides the work.
edits the content according to different aspects such as structure, target audience, style, learning objectives, etc.
is normally responsible for commissioning, briefing and supervising the work of authors.
usually develops the writing brief as well as any other relevant documents.
makes sure the content corresponds to the scope and sequence.
takes an active part in the work from its very conception to its final version.
can also be called a content editor or a development editor.
I like summing up the relationship between the editor and the writer with a snippet from Lion King (1994):
The Lion King (1994) by Walt Disney Pictures.
Timon (who stands for the writer) says something to describe how the lion cub is feeling: “Gee, he looks blue.”
Pumbaa (who represents the editor) answers him with a new suggestion to describe the cub in a more precise and detailed way: “I’d say brownish gold.”
It’s worth noting that, in this example, the editor might have not given the best suggestion though: the word “blue” was used by the writer to show that the cub was feeling sad (and not to describe his colour). So, in this case, Pumbaa’s suggestion would have changed the original intended message.
Nevertheless, the snippet is a good example to show how the editor and the writer should work together towards the same goal: to provide students and teachers with the highest-quality materials. Both must make decisions along the process that will make a difference in the experience of those who use the materials. Therefore, the editor and the writer must work collaboratively and coherently to make sure the materials are as effective as possible for both learners and educators.
References
MILLIN, Sandy. Self-publishing in ELT: ensuring quality through the editorial process. MaWSIG – IATEFL, December 16, 2021. Available at: https://mawsig.iatefl.org/self-publishing-in-elt-ensuring-quality-through-the-editorial-process/. Accessed on: January 16, 2023.
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