“Sub-editors are, famously, the difference between 'Let's eat grandma' and 'Let's eat, grandma',” says Paris-based sub-editor Nicci Collier. “That could save a life.” Life-saving, however, is not the modus operandi of sub-editors, reputation saving is.
By Remy Raitt
Sub-editors are not merely human spell checkers, they are the last line of defence for any copy before it’s seen by the public.
Tino Stefano, who has been a sub for 38 years for daily and weekend newspapers across the country explains that the role is a multi-faceted one. “The subbing function is important in terms of fact checking, polishing, cutting to required length, writing snappy, eye-catching and accurate headlines, designing attractive layouts, checking and revising proofs; and overseeing the entire production process.”
A lot of responsibility rests on the sub, and Stefano says in order to do the job properly you need excellent general knowledge and must be up to date with the news of the day.
Subs save face
“In all contexts it’s the sub’s important job to keep a sharp eye for libellous and defamatory copy, and red-flag anything that even hints at being risky,” Stefano says. “Quality goes out of the window when subbing jobs are cut, as can be seen on most newspapers."
… and the writer’s voice
Stefano and Collier agree that work experience as a writer puts sub-editors in an advantageous position. They have both worked as writers, and say when they are doing sub-editing work their writer hats need to be checked at the door.
“When it comes to phrasing and story development, a sub always has to be careful not to interfere too much with the writer's own style and tone of voice,” says Collier. “Of course, the phrasing and story development can be reworked a little if necessary, but it can be tempting - especially if you are a writer yourself, as I am - to alter the text until it is barely recognisable.”
“Bylined copy is the writer’s and must be respected as such,” advises Stefano. “Always check with the writer and news desk before making substantial changes.”
A peek at the process
“It's always good to read the piece through as a whole, at least once, before diving into the subbing,” says Collier. “I also find that I pick up different things when I read the piece on paper or on a screen, so it's helpful to do both. It takes some time, but once your eye is trained, the errors seem to leap off the page.”
Advice for writers
Writers striving for cleaner copy can take heed of a few suggestions from these sub-editors. Stefano says the first and most important thing is to know your topic. “Read the story at least three times before submitting it. Take the reader’s perspective – can a reader who knows nothing about the subject understand the report? Double check facts, figures and names. Indicate "correct" where unusual words or names are used.”
Collier advises writers to familiarise themselves with the house style and tone of voice required when writing. “It's also very important to stick to the word count if you are given one,” she says. “A sub can waste a lot of time trying to cut extra copy that shouldn't be there.”
As UK-based Prospects says; “To be a good sub, you must be an all-rounder: you need to know the law and be able to put a story together with speed and style.”
Are you a sub-editor? What are your top tips for doing the job well? Tell us in the comments sections below.