ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the methods for inputting characters and examines the role of editing and the shape of editing groups in preparing texts for publication. It explores the variety of ways in which texts are coded for typesetting and outlines some of the methods for moving texts electronically. With electronic editing, some inexpensive correcting can be performed before the text is transmitted to- the editor and before galleys are set on the phototypesetter. Team editing builds confidence among editors because it provides an opportunity to debate stylistic issues. Texts that have been edited electronically have the added advantage that they are easily transmitted electronically to proofreaders and typesetters. Original keystrokes can be “captured” from the author through electronic storage or transmissions. With synchronous communications, the software packages in each computer ascertain where the characters start and stop when transmission begins and keep track of characters as they are transferred in large data blocks rather than as distinct characters.
