Editing Tutorial
Editing Tutorial
Media editing refers to the process of selecting, arranging, and modifying media elements, such
as video, audio, and images, to create a final product that meets the desired outcome or objective.
Media editing can be done using specialized software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut
Pro, or Avid Media Composer.
Media editing can involve a range of tasks, depending on the type of media being edited and the
desired outcome. Some common tasks involved in media editing include:
Selecting and organizing media elements: This basically includes gathering and
organizing media assets: This involves collecting all the media assets, such as raw video
footage, images, audio recordings, and text that will be used in the final product. The
media assets are then organized into folders and labeled appropriately for easy access
during the editing process It also involves reviewing all available media elements and
selecting the best footage or audio clips to use in the final product. The selected media
elements are then organized in a logical sequence.
Trimming and cutting media elements: This involves removing unwanted sections of
content, footage or audio clips, or trimming them to the desired length. This is done to
ensure that the final product flows smoothly and effectively conveys the desired
message.
Adding transitions and effects: Transitions and effects can be added to enhance the
visual appeal of the final product. For example, a fade-in or fade-out effect can be used
to transition between two clips, or a filter can be applied to adjust the color balance of a
video clip. Enhancing the quality of media files by adjusting color, brightness, contrast,
or sound levels. Adding special effects or visual enhancements to enhance the overall
visual appeal of the final product. Adding captions, titles, and other text overlays to
provide context and reinforce key messages.
Incorporating audio/video/photo elements: Elements, such as voiceovers, sound effects,
or music, can be added to enhance the overall impact of the final product.
Editing language: It is the process of reviewing and revising written text to improve its
clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness. Editing language can be done for a variety of written
materials, including books, articles, reports, website content, marketing materials, and
academic papers. Editing language may include several steps, such as:
o Reviewing the text for spelling and grammar errors
o Ensure that the text is consistent in terms of style, tone, and formatting. This
involves checking that headings, font styles, and other formatting elements are
consistent throughout the document.
o Review the text to ensure that it is clear and easy to understand. This may involve
rewording sentences, breaking up long paragraphs, and simplifying complex
ideas.
o Verify the accuracy of information presented in the text, including facts,
statistics, and other data.
o Enhancing readability by making changes to the text to make it more engaging
and interesting to the reader. This can include using active voice, varying
sentence structure, and incorporating examples and anecdotes.
Reviewing the design: To ensure that the most important information is presented
prominently and that the overall layout is balanced and visually appealing. This may also
involve repositioning design elements, changing font sizes, or adjusting the color scheme.
Editors refine design elements such as images, icons, and illustrations to ensure that they
are high-quality, relevant, and visually appealing. This may involve cropping, resizing, or
replacing images to make them more effective.
Checking the law: It is an important aspect of media editing, especially when it comes to
materials that could have legal implications, such as news articles, opinion pieces, or
advertising materials. It's essential to ensure that the content is accurate, legal, and does
not infringe upon any laws, regulations, or ethical guidelines.Here are some key legal
considerations that editors should keep in mind when editing media materials:
Defamation: Editors must ensure that the content does not defame or
slander any individuals or groups. Defamatory statements can lead to
lawsuits and significant legal consequences.
Copyright infringement: Editors must ensure that the content does not
violate any copyright laws. This includes verifying that all images, videos,
and other media used in the content have proper permission or are licensed
for use.
Privacy: Editors must ensure that the content does not infringe on an
individual's right to privacy. This includes avoiding the use of personal
information or images without consent.
Trademarks: Editors must ensure that the content does not infringe upon
any trademarks. This includes avoiding the use of logos or brand names
without permission.
Ethical guidelines: Editors should follow ethical guidelines in media
editing, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, respecting cultural
differences, and ensuring accuracy in reporting.
Local laws: Editors should be aware of the local laws and regulations in
the area where the content will be published. This includes being familiar
with media laws, including libel laws and free speech laws.
In summary, checking the law in media editing is essential to ensure that the content is accurate,
legal, and does not infringe upon any laws, regulations, or ethical guidelines. Editors should be
aware of legal considerations and ensure that the content meets legal requirements before
publication.
Overall, media editing is an important part of the media production process and requires
technical skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
A Media editor is professional who reviews and revises various media content and forms to
ensure that they are accurate, engaging, and meets the standards of the publication or
organization. Media editors work in various industries, including journalism, advertising, public
relations, and publishing.
The copy desk, also known as the copy desk team, is a group of professionals who work in a
newsroom, magazine, publishing house, or other media organization. The primary function of the
copy desk is to review and edit written materials, such as news articles, feature stories, and other
written content, to ensure that they are accurate, engaging, and adhere to the organization's
standards.
The functions of the copy desk may vary depending on the organization and the nature of the
content being edited, but some common functions include:
Reviewing written materials for accuracy: The copy desk team reviews written materials
to ensure that they are factually accurate and free from errors.
Checking for grammar and style errors: The copy desk team reviews written materials
to ensure that they adhere to the organization's style guidelines and are free from
grammatical errors.
Ensuring consistency: The copy desk team ensures that the content is consistent in terms
of tone, voice, and style, and that the message being conveyed is clear and easy to
understand.
Fact-checking: The copy desk team conducts research to verify the accuracy of the
information presented in the content.
Collaborating with writers and reporters: The copy desk team works closely with writers
and reporters to ensure that their work is clear, concise, and effectively communicates the
intended message.
Meeting deadlines: The copy desk team ensures that all written materials are edited and
ready for publication before the deadline.
Overall, the copy desk plays an essential role in ensuring that written materials are accurate,
engaging, and meets the standards of the organization. The copy desk team brings a combination
of editing, writing, and research skills to their work and works collaboratively with other
members of the organization to create high-quality content.
Types of Editors
There are several types of media editors, each with their own unique role and responsibilities.
Here are some of the most common types of media editors:
1. Copy editors: Copy editors review written materials, such as articles, books, and
marketing materials, for accuracy, clarity, and consistency. They check for spelling,
grammar, and punctuation errors, and ensure that the content is free from factual
inaccuracies.
2. Video editors: Video editors review and edit video footage to create engaging and
compelling visual content. They may cut and splice footage, add special effects, and
adjust color and sound to create a polished final product.
3. Audio editors: Audio editors review and edit audio recordings, such as podcasts or music
tracks. They may remove unwanted noise, adjust volume levels, and splice recordings to
create a seamless final product.
4. Photo editors: Photo editors review and edit images to enhance their quality and visual
appeal. They may crop, resize, or adjust the color of images to make them more effective.
5. Social media editors: Social media editors review and revise content that will be posted
on social media platforms. They ensure that the content is engaging, on-brand, and
appropriate for the target audience.
6. Design editors: Design editors are responsible for overseeing the visual design of media
content, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, and other publications. They work
closely with graphic designers, photographers, and other members of the design team to
create visually appealing layouts and designs that effectively communicate the message
of the content.
7. Managing editors: Managing editors oversee the production of media content, including
assigning tasks to writers and editors, reviewing content, and making editorial decisions.
8. Executive editors: Executive editors are senior editors who are responsible for the overall
direction and strategy of a media organization.
Overall, media editors play an essential role in ensuring that media content is accurate, engaging,
and effective. They bring a combination of creative and technical skills to their work, including
an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with relevant software and
tools.
Copy Editing
Copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written material to ensure that it is
accurate, clear, and consistent. Copy editors check for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation,
and syntax, as well as issues with tone, style, and formatting. The goal of copy editing is to
improve the overall quality of written work and ensure that it is error-free, easy to read, and
adheres to the intended style and tone. Copy editors may work on a variety of materials,
including books, magazines, newspapers, websites, and other written content. They may also
collaborate with writers and other editors to ensure that the final product meets the desired
standards of quality and accuracy.
Copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written material for errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling, style, and consistency. Here are some common copies editing techniques
used by editors:
Spelling and grammar checks - The editor will carefully review the text to ensure that all
spelling and grammar are correct.
Punctuation - The editor will review the use of punctuation marks such as commas,
semicolons, and periods to ensure that they are used correctly.
Consistency - The editor will ensure that the text is consistent in terms of style, tone, and
formatting. This includes checking for consistency in the use of headings, fonts, and other
style elements.
Clarity - The editor will check for clarity in the text, making sure that the writing is clear
and easy to understand.
Formatting - The editor will review the formatting of the document, ensuring that it is
consistent and easy to read.
Fact-checking - The editor may also verify the accuracy of any facts or information
presented in the text.
Rewriting - If necessary, the editor may also suggest changes to the text to improve
clarity, tone, or overall quality.
Copy editing symbols
They are shorthand notations that editors use to mark up a text with corrections and changes.
These symbols help editors to communicate their edits quickly and clearly to writers or other
editors. Here are some common copy editing symbols and their functions:
To elaborate some:
o Insertion symbol (^) - This symbol is used to indicate where a new word or phrase
should be added to the text.
o Deletion symbol (-) - This symbol is used to indicate where a word or phrase should be
deleted from the text.
o Transposition symbol (↔) - This symbol is used to indicate where words or phrases
should be swapped or transposed in the text.
o Caret symbol (∧) - This symbol is used to indicate where a letter or punctuation mark
should be inserted into the text.
o Stet symbol (stet) - This symbol is used to indicate that a correction or change should be
ignored and the original text should be retained.
o Lowercase symbol (lc) - This symbol is used to indicate that a letter or word should be
changed to lowercase.
o Uppercase symbol (uc) - This symbol is used to indicate that a letter or word should be
changed to uppercase.
o Spacing symbol (/) - This symbol is used to indicate where spaces should be added or
removed in the text.
o Spell-check symbol (sp) - This symbol is used to indicate that a word is misspelled and
needs to be corrected.
o Paragraph symbol (¶) - This symbol is used to indicate where a new paragraph should
begin.
These are just a few of the many copy editing symbols that editors may use. By understanding
these symbols and their functions, writers and editors can communicate more efficiently and
effectively, leading to a higher quality of written work.
There are several common language errors that are edited in media texts. These errors can
include:
Spelling errors: Spelling errors are one of the most common errors that editors look for
in media texts. They can include typographical errors, misspellings, and inconsistencies
in spelling.
Grammatical errors: Editors also look for grammatical errors such as subject-verb
agreement, tense consistency, and sentence structure. Grammatical errors can make the
text difficult to read and can affect the clarity of the message.
Punctuation errors: Errors in punctuation can also affect the clarity and readability of a
text. Editors check for errors such as missing or misplaced commas, semicolons, and
apostrophes.
Usage errors: Usage errors refer to mistakes in the use of words, such as confusing
homophones (e.g., "there," "their," and "they're") or using a word incorrectly (e.g.,
"effect" instead of "affect").
Style errors: Editors also look for style errors such as inconsistencies in capitalization,
hyphenation, and formatting.
Jargon and technical errors: In media texts related to specific industries or fields,
editors may also look for jargon or technical errors that may be confusing to the general
reader.
By correcting these language errors, editors can help to ensure that media texts are clear,
concise, and easy to read, thereby improving the overall quality of the text.
Punctuation Marks
There are several main punctuation marks used in media writing, each with their own function.
These include:
Period (.) - The period is used to indicate the end of a sentence or an abbreviation. It is
one of the most commonly used punctuation marks in media writing.
Comma (,) - The comma is used to separate items in a list, to separate clauses in a
sentence, or to indicate a pause or break in the sentence.
Semi-colon (;) - The semi-colon is used to separate two independent clauses that are
closely related in meaning.
Colon (:) - The colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
Quotation marks ("...") - Quotation marks are used to indicate dialogue, a direct quote,
or to indicate the title of a work.
Parentheses (()) - Parentheses are used to provide additional information or clarification
within a sentence.
Dash (-) - The dash is used to indicate a sudden change or break in thought, or to indicate
a pause for effect.
Ellipsis (...) - The ellipsis is used to indicate the omission of words or a pause in speech.
By using these punctuation marks effectively, media writers can clarify meaning, emphasize
certain points, and improve the readability of their text. It's important for writers to understand
the function of each punctuation mark and use them appropriately in their writing.
Proofreading
It is the process of carefully reviewing a text to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar,
punctuation, and formatting. The goal of proofreading is to ensure that a written work is error-
free and polished, and that it meets the intended standards of quality and accuracy. Unlike copy
editing, which may involve more substantive changes to the text, proofreading typically involves
only minor corrections to errors and oversights. Proofreading is an important final step in the
writing and editing process, and can help to improve the clarity, consistency, and professionalism
of a written work. It is commonly used in the publishing industry, as well as in academic and
business settings, to ensure that written material is of the highest quality possible.
Here are some proofreading techniques that can help improve the accuracy and clarity of written
work:
Read the text slowly and carefully: Take your time to read the text slowly and carefully,
paying attention to each word and sentence.
Read the text out loud: Reading the text out loud can help you identify errors that may
not be obvious when reading silently.
Check for consistency: Check for consistency in spelling, punctuation, formatting, and
style, and ensure that these elements are consistent throughout the text.
Use spell check: Most word processing programs have built-in spell check features that
can help you identify and correct spelling errors.
Check for grammar errors: Pay attention to grammar errors such as subject-verb
agreement, tense consistency, and sentence structure.
Look for typos and misspellings: Look for common typos and misspellings, such as
transposed letters or missing letters.
Use a style guide: Use a style guide, such as the Associated Press Stylebook or the
Chicago Manual of Style, to ensure that the text adheres to accepted style conventions.
Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and to maintain focus while
proofreading.
By using these techniques, you can help to ensure that your written work is accurate, error-free,
and of the highest quality possible.
Copy editing and proofreading are both important stages in the editing process of a written work,
such as a book, article, or report. While there are similarities between the two, there are also
some key differences.
The main difference between copy editing and proofreading is their level of detail and the stage
in the editing process in which they occur. Copy editing is a more comprehensive process that
involves improving the overall quality, style, and accuracy of a written work. It involves
checking for consistency in tone, style, and voice, as well as correcting grammar, punctuation,
and spelling errors. Copy editing also involves making suggestions to improve the structure and
flow of the work, and may involve rewriting or reorganizing sentences or paragraphs.
Proofreading, on the other hand, is a final check for errors in a written work before it is published
or submitted. Proofreading involves reviewing the text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation
errors, as well as formatting and typographical errors. Unlike copy editing, proofreading does not
involve making major changes to the text or its structure, but rather focuses on identifying and
correcting minor errors that may have been missed in previous edits.
In summary, copy editing is a more comprehensive editing process that involves improving the
overall quality and style of a written work, while proofreading is a final check for errors before
publication or submission, focusing mainly on correcting minor errors.
Practicing questions
1. Which of the following best describes the role of a media editor?
2. Which of the following is an example of an element that a media editor might review?
5. Which of the following best describes the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
7. Which of the following is NOT a common type of media content that editors work with?
A. Books
B. Magazine articles
C. Social media posts
D. Music video
8. Which one of the following is a common editing symbol used to indicate a spelling error?
A. Writing headlines
B. Proofreading for errors
C. Editing images and videos
D. Fact-checking
10. Which of the following is NOT a common task performed during media editing?
12. Which one of the following is a common style guide used in media editing?
13. Which of the following editing symbols indicates that a word or phrase should be deleted?
14. Which of the following is NOT a common task performed during copy editing?
A. Checking for factual accuracy
B. Rewriting entire paragraphs
C. Correcting grammar and punctuation errors
D. Ensuring consistency in style and tone
A. All caps
A. Title case
B. Sentence case
C. Random capitalization
19. Which of the following is an example of an effective headline for an article on cooking tips?
A. A descriptive adjective
B. A verb
C. A quote from the article
D. A proper noun
A. Summary lead
B. Direct address lead
C. Descriptive lead
D. Quotation lead
23. Which of the following is a common technique for writing a summary lead?
A. A lead that uses a personal story or example to introduce the topic of the article
B. A lead that provides historical context or background information related to the topic
C. A lead that describes a dramatic or unusual event related to the story
D. A lead that summarizes the main points of the article in one sentence
27. What is a feature story?
A. The part of the story that provides background information on the topic
B. The conclusion or resolution of the story
C. A section of the story that includes quotes from sources
D. A humorous or surprising ending to the story
32. Policing function of a copy desk includes the following except one.
A. Protecting errors
B. Guide against sued
C. Originating idea using development stories from reporters and other sources
D. None
33. Which one is true about leads?
34. One among of the following idea is not used to write or improve today’s news story
headlines.
A. Slammers
B. Hammers
C. Tripods
D. Banners
35. Crimes, disasters and other dramatic stories are written by_______________story structure.
A. Kabob model
B. Martini glass
C. Inverted pyramid
D. Wall Street Journal Formula
36. Which one of the following is not true about the copy desk?
A. Copy desk creates link between the production and editorial division
B. Deciding the content of the publication is the copy desk’s managerial function
C. The copy desk is functioning under the production division
D. Copy desk adjust stories for fillers
37. All of the following are under the editorial division except one
A. Copy editors
B. Reporters
C. Photographers
D. Compositors
A. Mugshots do not need cut lines (captions) like that of big photos.
B. Vertical photos are the most dynamic and commonly used photo shapes.
C. Copy desk determines the character of the newspaper.
D. Editing is a process deciding the content and the form of the story
41. Which of the following is a technique is not used in designing text in a story.
A. Leading
B. Paragraph indents
C. Hanging indents
D. Logo
42. One of the following is not the basic elements of the newspaper in designing the a Story?
A. Headline
B. Photo
C. Text
D. Page number
44. One method of shortening story to remove the least necessary part of the story
is___________.
A. Cutting
B. Boiling
C. Trimming
D. A and B
A. Gets attention
B. Tells the story
C. Not Classifies the story
D. Enhances the page
A. Inverted Pyramid
B. Kabob Model
C. Hour glass
D. Diamond Shape
47. Which one of the following is not true about the copy desk?
A. Copy desk creates link between the production and editorial division
B. Deciding the content of the publication is copy desks policing function
C. The copy desk is functioning under the editorial division
D. Copy desk adjust stories for fillers
48. One of the following techniques is not used in designing text in a story.
A. Alignment
B. Leading
C. Paragraph indents
D. None
49. The number of words and the number of sentences respectively in a lead ranges
52. Making all the parts of the page in rectangular form is called is called _______________
A. Focused Design
B. Modular Design
C. Standing Design
D. Inverted Design
Answer: B. To review and revise content for accuracy, style, and readability.
2. Which of the following is an example of an element that a media editor might review?
5. Which of the following best describes the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Answer: D. Copyediting involves reviewing and revising content for clarity, style, and
consistency, while proofreading involves checking for errors in spelling, grammar, and
punctuation.
Answer: D. All of the above (to ensure that content is grammatically correct, to make content
more visually appealing, and to make sure that content conforms to style guidelines).
7. Which of the following is NOT a common type of media content that editors work with?
8. Which one of the following is a common editing symbol used to indicate a spelling error?
Answer: B. A circle around the misspelled word.
10. Which of the following is NOT a common task performed during media editing?
12. Which one of the following is a common style guide used in media editing?
13. Which of the following editing symbols indicates that a word or phrase should be deleted?
14. Which of the following is NOT a common task performed during copy editing?
15. Which of the following is NOT a common goal of headline writing? Answer: C. To use
clickbait tactics to generate traffic.
16. Which of the following is a commonly used headline style in journalism? Answer: B. Title
case.
17. Which of the following is an effective technique for writing headlines? Answer: C. Keeping
the headline short and to the point.
18. Which of the following is NOT a common element of a news headline? Answer: A. The date
of publication.
19. Which of the following is an example of an effective headline for an article on cooking tips?
Answer: B. "10 tips for better cooking."
23. C. Beginning with a question or a rhetorical statement is a common technique for writing a
summary lead.
24. A. The purpose of the lead in a news article is to summarize the main points of the article.
25. C. A characteristic of a good lead is that it is concise and focused on the main topic of the
article.
26. A. An anecdotal lead is a lead that uses a personal story or example to introduce the topic of
the article.
27. B. A feature story is a story that provides in-depth coverage of a particular topic or issue.
28. C. A hard news story is a story that covers a breaking news event or a significant
development in an ongoing story.
29. C. An editorial is an opinion piece that expresses the views or beliefs of the author or
publication.
34. B. Written in passive voice and using strong words is not an idea used to write or improve
today's news story headlines.
35. D. The standard headline style for today's news stories is banners.
36. B. Deciding the content of the publication is not the copy desk’s managerial function.
38. C. Editing is not a process that begins with searching about the community.
39. D. Editing is a process that involves deciding the form, structure, and content of a story.
43. D. All five W's and an H should be addressed in the lead, not just the first paragraph.
44. C. Trimming is the method of shortening a story to remove the least necessary parts.
46. A. The structure used for hard news is the inverted pyramid.
47. B. Deciding the content of the publication is not the copy desk's policing function.
48. D. None. All the listed techniques are used in designing text in a story.
49. A. The lead should range from 15-25 words and 1-2 sentences.
51. C. Captions do not need to be fully explained; they should be concise and informative.
52. B. Making all the parts of the page in rectangular form is called modular design.