Mastering the Art of Sub-editing: A Comprehensive Guide

The role of a sub-editor is both pivotal and multifaceted, encompassing a broad spectrum of responsibilities that are crucial to the production of any publication, regardless of its size or scope. From daily newspapers to small community newsletters, the efficacy of the subbing process directly influences the quality and reliability of the content presented to readers. This comprehensive guide demystifies the subbing process, breaking it down into its three fundamental stages: tasting, editing, and projecting, while highlighting the essential skills every sub-editor must cultivate.

The Three Pillars of Sub-editing

Tasting

The first step, ‘tasting,’ involves the critical selection of content deemed suitable for publication. This selective process requires a keen eye for newsworthiness, relevance, and audience interest. In larger operations, copytasters may sift through a plethora of submissions from various sources to curate the day’s content. Meanwhile, on smaller scales, the task may fall to specific editors or even the chief sub-editor, who decide what stories will grace their pages. Regardless of the setting, the essence of tasting is discerning which material is most worthy of inclusion, a task that can be as challenging as it is vital.

Editing

Editing is where the raw material is refined and shaped into its final form. This stage is marked by meticulous attention to detail, as the…