This unit covers the role of editors or subeditors working in contexts such as book publishing, magazines and journals, corporate, online media, government and not-for-profit organisations. It also covers the role of freelance editors.

Even though people in this role work with a fair degree of autonomy, they report to a manager or, in the case of freelance editors, to a client.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare to edit written content

1. In consultation with relevant personnel clarify the scope of editing tasks, including timelines

2. Determine style or tone appropriate to the publication or type of communication materials

3. Identify factors that have implications for the way content will be edited

Enhance clarity of written communication

4. Amend text according to the principles of clear language and logical structure

5. Ensure that language level is appropriate to target audience

6. Ensure that tone is consistent with theme and purpose of the communication

7. Review punctuation to ensure clarity of meaning and ease of reading

8. Review written material for correct use of grammar and syntax

9. Monitor text for non-inclusive or potentially offensive language

10. In consultation with relevant personnel, clarify areas where content is unclear and amend accordingly, giving due consideration to preserving the integrity of the author's voice as amendments are made

11. Amend text for consistency where additional information has been incorporated

12. Mark up text according to enterprise procedures

Finalise editing process

13. Check accuracy of references and organise copyright clearances as required

14. In consultation with relevant personnel, finalise the format and placement of visual material as required

15. Submit final edited material to relevant personnel by agreed deadline

16. Evaluate editing process, assessing one's own performance and noting areas for future improvement

Required skills

ability to work as a member of a team in producing communications materials

initiative and flexibility sufficient to:

edit material for purpose and structure

negotiate changes to written material aimed at enhancing the quality of final products

proficient use of word processing and other software tools

communication and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

apply correct grammar, spelling and punctuation when editing

edit communication materials with an understanding of audience or reader needs and expectations

apply proofreading skills

apply appropriate publishing and presentation formats

apply non-discriminatory language

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance as required, e.g. on issues that could lead to legal action

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members

issues and challenges that arise when editing text

principles involved in the integration of visuals and text

principles for writing and editing in plain English

rules and conventions for written English, as defined by general and specialist dictionaries and grammar books, and enterprise or government style guides

effective communication techniques, including effective listening, questioning and non-verbal cues

legislation, codes of practice and standards sufficient to identify:

intellectual property issues

copyright and copyright clearance requirements

privacy issues

editing standards

discriminatory or potentially offensive language issues

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

examples of edited written material that:

demonstrate correct application of grammatical and punctuation conventions

are free of spelling errors

are coherent and clear to read

are presented in a format appropriate to the stipulated audience and purpose

ability to work to deadlines

collaborative approach to work

attention to detail.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a computer and the internet

access to a range of information, publication and communications material sources as listed in the range statement

provision of workplace sample documents or workplace-oriented simulation case studies or scenarios

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of a range of written material edited by the candidate, which involves comparing the original and final edited copy

case studies and problem-solving exercises to determine ability to correctly apply grammatical and punctuation conventions

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of principles for writing and editing in plain English

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process

CUFWRT301A Write content for a range of media

CUFWRT302A Write simple stories

CUFWRT402A Write extended stories

CUFWRT403A Write narration and current affairs material.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant personnel may include:

author

client

editor

graphic artist

graphic designer

manager

marketing and publicity personnel

permissions department personnel

producer

subeditor

typesetter.

Publications may include:

books

corporate documents:

reports

newsletters

marketing and promotional materials, including online

print and online publications:

literary

magazines

journals

newspapers.

Communication materials may include:

content written for a range of interactive media, such as:

websites

e-learning resources

games

essays

extended non-fiction writing, including biography

feature articles or profiles

fiction writing:

short stories

novels

novellas

information articles and features

life writing or autobiography

literary non-fiction

marketing materials

poetry

reports and memos

scripted material for broadcast:

news items

intros

outros

voice-overs and narration

writing for children:

stories

picture books

novels

non-fiction.

Principles of clear language may include:

compliance with genre

consistency of tone

language that is free of:

verbosity

ambiguity

unnecessary repetition

jargon

non-discriminatory language

use of plain English

use of words appropriate to the context.

Elements of logical structure may include:

connections between phrases, clauses, paragraphs and sections

paragraph structure

sentence structure.

Tone may include:

dramatic

entertaining

formal

humorous

informal or casual

informational.

Grammar and syntax may include application of:

Australian Standards for Editing Practice - Council of Australian Societies of Editors

grammar and punctuation conventions as demonstrated by Australian Government Style Manual and other house style guides.

References may include:

bibliography

footnote or endnote

index

list of references

table of contents.

Copyright clearances may be required for:

fonts

quotations from:

literary works

song lyrics

visual material:

photos

illustrations

cartoons.

Visual material may include:

cartoons

charts

diagrams

illustrations

logos

photos.

Unit sector

Communication - writing

This unit contains employability skills.