Meaning: The quote "Editor: a person employed by a newspaper, whose business it is to separate the wheat from the chaff, and to see that the chaff is printed" by Elbert Hubbard succinctly captures the essence of the role of an editor in the publishing industry. It humorously alludes to the editor's responsibility of sifting through the abundance of material to discern what is valuable and worthy of publication, while also ensuring that the final product is polished and refined.

Elbert Hubbard was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his essay "A Message to Garcia" and for founding the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York. Hubbard had a keen understanding of the publishing world and the importance of editorial oversight in maintaining quality and integrity in the printed word.

The quote reflects the critical role that editors play in the publishing process. Editors are tasked with reviewing, revising, and refining written content to ensure that it meets the standards of the publication and resonates with the intended audience. This involves not only correcting grammatical errors and improving clarity but also making judgment calls about the relevance, accuracy, and overall impact of the material.

The metaphor of "separating the wheat from the chaff" speaks to the editor's discerning eye for identifying the valuable, substantive content (the "wheat") amidst the extraneous, inferior material (the "chaff"). In a world inundated with information, the editor serves as a gatekeeper, guiding readers toward the most meaningful and worthwhile writing.

Furthermore, the quote's assertion that the editor "sees that the chaff is printed" acknowledges the editor's responsibility to ensure that even the less substantial content is presented in a coherent and presentable manner. This highlights the editor's role as a curator of ideas, responsible for presenting a cohesive and engaging final product to the audience.

In contemporary publishing, the role of the editor has expanded beyond traditional print media to encompass digital platforms, multimedia content, and various forms of online communication. While the fundamental principles of editing remain constant, the modern editor must also navigate the complexities of digital publishing, including search engine optimization, multimedia integration, and audience engagement strategies.

Ultimately, this quote by Elbert Hubbard encapsulates the essence of the editor's role as a discerning curator and diligent guardian of the written word. It acknowledges the editor's dual responsibility of upholding quality standards and ensuring that the final product effectively communicates with its intended audience. In an age of information overload, the role of the editor remains indispensable in shaping and refining the narrative of our collective human experience.