A field guide to the trade and art of literary editing, this book pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day work of an editor, with an emphasis on ways to read, edit, and transform a piece of writing. Combining a breakdown of an editor's tasks-including creating a vision for a publication, managing acquisitions, responding to submissions, and corresponding with authors-with a behind-the-scenes look at manuscripts in progress, the book rounds up with a test editing section that teaches, by way of engaging exercises, the nitty-gritty techniques for working on all kinds of texts. Generous in its insight and access to practicing editors' annotations and thought processes, The Invisible Art of Literary Editing offers an exclusive look at nonfiction, fiction, and poetry manuscripts as they were first submitted, as they were marked up by an editor and as they were published. Also included are interviews with the editors about their choices, as well as their philosophies and working practices. An ideal companion to anyone interested in editing, The Invisible Art of Literary Editing offers opportunities for learning-by-doing through exercises, reflections, and case studies, inviting readers to embody the role of an editor to improve their craft and demystify the processes involved in this exciting and highly coveted profession.