The initial image of an editor that comes to mind is someone in a small space surrounded by stacks of paper, red pens and markings, and a beeping monitor reminding the editor of his/her due dates; maybe other writers are entering and exiting asking questions and getting ideas, sharing their skills. My take away from this image in my head proves to show me that I don't really understand the many facets of editing and the array of jobs that an editor could have. I have a very one-sided image in my mind.
On the other side, I associate one set of ideals to editors. The first is I assume that all editors are trustworthy and have taken the time to understand their topic, author, and meaning behind a task. I expect editors to do their homework, check on statistics and research to make sure that everything they edit and allow to be published is actually correct. As I reader, I am trusting the editor.
I also expect to see a beautiful publication. I want the font, spacing, and page format to be welcoming, symmetrical, clean, and easy to access. I don't want to struggle to find the article or have to click all over the page. I also don't want to see formatting differences or inconsitencies. If these do occur I question the realiablity of the author and the edtior. If they did not take the time to make their work "look pretty" then how do I know if they took the time to put real thought into their work.
I can guess that being an editor is tricky at times. I can imagine that you are trying to "please" everyone with your work (client included) and are trying to make someone else's thoughts coherent and clear. But I also see being an editor as being a rewarding career. You get to help others and see your corrections influence work.
While my initial image of an editor is narrow, my understanding of their worth is vast.
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