ABSTRACT
Editors normally work in the background, but their role is of key importance in ELT materials development. This chapter explores the different responsibilities of ELT editors, ranging from copy and content editing to project management and strategy, and considers how these have been affected by ongoing changes in the publishing industry. Critical issues and topics that have arisen from recent trends in ELT publishing are then explored. These include significant changes to the structure of publishing companies; the time, project scope, and budget available for coursebook series; the role of authors; editorial training and career development; and how materials are delivered to end users. The implications of these trends for the role of the editor are discussed. A small number of interviews were conducted with current practitioners, and their insights, plus the authors’ experience as editors, publishers, and authors are reported upon. Recommendations for practice, specifically in the field of editorial training, are made, and the chapter ends with a discussion of future trends for ELT editors, publishers, and teaching materials.
