Editing Fact and Fiction: A Concise Guide to Book Editing

by Leslie T. Sharpe, Irene Gunther, Richard Marek (Foreword)

Editing Fact and Fiction is a concise, practical guide for people interested in book publishing or already working as editors who want to learn more about the opportunities in various kinds of book editing. Writing in a lively, informal style, two editors with extensive experience in a wide variety of fields--fiction and nonfiction, trade and reference, academic and commercial publishing--explain what editors in different jobs really do. The authors take the reader step by step through the editing process, from manuscript to bound book. They discuss the principles of sound editing and provide many specific examples of how to--and how not to--edit copy. They also give examples of how to deal tactfully with authors and show when editorial restraint is the best intervention. Editing Fact and Fiction is a book to be read, not just referred to. It will be an indispensable guide for anyone thinking about a career in book publishing, a valuable resource for working editors who want to enlarge their knowledge, and a useful tool for senior editors training staff. Leslie T. Sharpe and Irene Gunther are both editors and writers. An experienced trade book editor, Leslie T. Sharpe teaches editing and writing at New York University and Columbia University. She is also a regular contributor to New York Newsday. Irene Gunther was a senior editor at Macmillan Publishing and has extensive experience in reference and college book editing. She is the author of a teenage biography and a contributor to various publications.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Reference

227 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Daniela Rogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amo este libro, me encanta volver a él.

[Stephen Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Since I may seek work (or have it thrust upon me) again as an editor someday (I was executive editor on the college lit rag Quarto at Columbia University and a reader at Drunken Boat), I read two books on editing: Editing Fact and Fiction, by Leslie T. Sharpe, and Editors on Editing by Gerald Gross. I feel both books are enlightening in their own way—and they compliment one another. They cover topics every editors should know, and even give helpful tips; for example: how to be impartial when reading, how to market writers and books, how to copyedit, how to write proposals and query letters, and how to use tact when corresponding with writers.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love a revised, updated edition of this book. I have used it in several of my classes, and I think it has some of the most direct, best explained approaches to book editing. It seems now to be available only as a print-on-demand book, but perhaps with an overhaul to bring some of the later chapters up to date, it could be republished for a longer life.

[Mariana Etchetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

La colección en la que se encuentra este libro del Fondo de Cultura Económica es Libros sobre libros y todos los títulos abordan temas relacionados con cómo se hacen los libros, el sector editorial, la producción editoriales y temas aledaños.

Cada uno de los volúmenes de Libros sobre libros están orientados a diferentes protagonistas del ámbito de la edición, pero vale la pena leerlos a todos independientemente del lugar de la cadena de producción editorial en el que uno se encuentre. Este está especialmente dirigido a editores.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great text on editing despite being a couple decades behind re. technological innovations

[Cronopioinsular · Rating 5 out of 5]

Práctico

[Margit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A revised edition of this book would be great and is badly needed. However, I understand that right now the industry is probably changing faster than a new edition could be written and published (at least traditionally).

Anyhow, Chapters 4 and 5 are still relevant to any line or copy editor. Chapter 4 discusses The Editor's Senses and Chapter 5 has excellent descriptions and examples of what to edit out of a manuscript.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly informative on the editor's place within the publishing industry, what the profession actually entails, and how to do a good job at it. It is slightly outdated -- published in 1994, its chapter on "Electronic Editing Today and Tomorrow" is perhaps not the most useful -- but nevertheless a very useful reference book, to be kept close at hand.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be outdated version but so on point and loved it. I'll see if they have an updated version to get on my resource shelf. I took lots of notes and posted some on my DreamMore Lit. Firm page on Facebook! Delicious for editors and writers!

[Jenny Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that editing sounds lovely for a personality like mine, and (guess what?!) I can read all day. Informative, first and foremost; a good look at the publishing industry today.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains useful basics but is sometimes woefully outdated.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but dated.

[Paula]

Reading this for my Ed. Specialist thesis paper.