What overall principle should guide editing according to the guidelines?

• A. Preserve the original wording regardless of clarity.
• B. Focus only on grammar, not content.
• C. Apply editing guidelines for consistency, tone, and accuracy.
• D. Ignore factual errors if the prose reads well.

Answer: (C)

Editing should be guided by applying guidelines that ensure consistency, tone, and accuracy across the text. This means not only fixing grammar but also keeping a steady voice, using uniform terminology, and ensuring facts and statements are correct. When something is unclear or awkward, revise it so the meaning stays intact while improving readability. If content is factually wrong, correct it even if the sentence is technically well-formed. The goal is clear, credible communication that fits the audience and purpose, balancing readability with truth. Choices that advocate preserving the original wording at all costs miss clarity, focusing only on grammar ignores the message’s meaning, and ignoring factual errors allows inaccuracies to persist—none of those align with effective editing. The principle that best guides editing is to apply guidelines for consistency, tone, and accuracy, ensuring the writing is coherent, reliable, and appropriate for its context.