Authors and Their Books: In the opinion of authors, What is the "job" of an editor?

[Sultry]

I've seen the question posed on various other groups and loops. What exactly is the job of an editor? To catch grammar mistakes, point of view switches, or basic things like formatting? As an author, what are your thoughts? Keep in mind there is a difference between an editor and a proofreader and and difference between a 'line editor' and a copy editor. I've had good editors and great ones.
All opinions appreciated.

[Ian]

I think it is to help the author to make the best of the author's writing. Grammar, typos and formatting are obvious, but I think the real question is, what is the author trying to say? Once the editor works that out, the question then is, what changes would make the message clearer, or more effective? That applies equally to fiction and non-fiction, although in the former the author should be wary of the editor that wishes to change the meaning of what the author is trying to say.

[Sultry]

Thanks for the post Ian, actually it took me a few days to get back on the loop as I was in the middle of "edits". I find my opinion mirrors yours. I've had some excellent experiences with editors and fortunately only one or two negative ones. Sounds like you've been around that block too. When I look at a manuscript read to go to publication after a final edit and know its clean it really is a good feeling. This has been a good one!
Sultry