Since 1962 Editors on Editing has been an indispensable guide for editors, would-be editors, and especially writers who want to understand the publishing process. Written by America's most distinguished editors, these thirty-eight essays, over thirty written for this edition, will teach, inform, explain, and inspire anyone interested in the world of editing. Top professionals write with insight and candor about the special demands of and skills necessary for their particular areas of expertise, from mass market books to books for special markets, romance novels to reference books, religious books to children's books, science-fiction books to self-help books, and virtually every type of print publishing in between. Covering both the practical and the theoretical aspects of publishing, Editors on Editing includes essays on the evolution of the American editor; the ethical and moral dimensions of editing; how books are chosen; what an editor looks for in a query letter, proposal, and manuscript; line editing; copy editing; the free-lance editor; the question of "political correctness"; making the most of writers' conferences; plus numerous other pieces that provide a fascinating, provocative, and sometimes controversial look into the complete editorial process. An annotated bibliography helps make this completely revised edition essential for anyone interested in the art and craft of this all too often misunderstood profession.