Choose the correct one-word substitution for the phrase "one who sets type for books, newspapers, etc." in the context of printing and publishing.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of one-word substitutions in the specific field of printing and publishing. The description refers to a person whose job is to arrange and set type (letters and characters) for printed material such as books and newspapers. You must identify the technical term used in the printing industry for this role.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The phrase given is:

• One who sets type for books, newspapers, etc.

The options are:

• Typist
• Editor
• Composer
• Compositor

We assume traditional printing terminology, where typesetting was done manually or mechanically.

Concept / Approach:
In classical printing, a compositor is the person who arranges movable type into pages before printing. The word comes from compose, in the sense of putting together lines of type. A typist is someone who types text on a keyboard, not the one who sets type for printing plates. An editor works on the content, making corrections and improvements, but does not physically set the type. Composer sounds similar but generally refers to someone who creates music or literary works, not printing layouts. Therefore, compositor is the correct technical term.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the field: typesetting and printing, not general office work or music. Step 2: Examine Typist. A typist uses a typewriter or keyboard to enter text, usually for documents or data entry. This is not the same as setting type in a printing press. Step 3: Examine Editor. An editor improves and corrects written material, checking grammar, style, and accuracy. Editors do not handle the technical layout of type blocks in traditional printing. Step 4: Examine Composer. Although related to the verb compose, in common usage a composer is a person who writes music. It is not the standard word for a typesetter. Step 5: Examine Compositor. In the printing trade, a compositor is specifically the worker who sets the type and arranges it into lines and pages for printing. Step 6: Therefore, Compositor is the correct one-word substitution.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reference to traditional printing manuals and histories shows frequent mentions of compositors working at composing sticks and type cases. Typists, by contrast, work in offices and are associated with typing letters and reports. Editors review manuscripts, and composers write music scores. This clear division of roles confirms that compositor is the only option that fits the exact description in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Typist is wrong because typing is the act of keying in text, not the arrangement of metal type for printing. Editor is wrong because it names the person who corrects and prepares the text, not the one who physically sets it in type. Composer is wrong because it usually refers to a music creator, and even in broader sense it is not the recognised term for a print typesetter. Only compositor directly denotes the person who sets type for printed material.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students are tempted by composer because it looks similar to compose and might be misread as someone who composes pages. However, in publishing jargon, compositor is the correct technical word. Another pitfall is assuming typist must be right because it mentions type, but the question is about printing, not keyboard typing. Paying attention to domain specific vocabulary helps avoid these traps in one-word substitution questions.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitution is Compositor.