working with the client and, usually, the author of a book or other document to develop a manuscript from initial concept, outline, or draft (or some combination of the three) through any number of subsequent drafts
making suggestions about content, organization, and presentation, based on analysis of competing works, comments of expert reviewers, the client’s market analysis, and other appropriate references
rewriting, writing, and researching, as needed, and sometimes suggesting topics or providing information about topics for consideration of authors and clients
Copyediting/line editing
Any or all of the following:
correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text
checking for or imposing a consistent style and format
preparing a style sheet that documents style and format
reading for overall clarity and sense on behalf of the prospective audience
querying the appropriate party about apparent errors or inconsistencies
preparing a manuscript for the next stage of the publication process
cross-checking references, art, figures, tables, equations, and other features for consistency with their mentions in the text