Editing on the screen

A book for those copyeditors who want to edit on the computer screen.

Numbers

This is the handout I had planned to give everyone today. It is a screenshot of a page on numbers at factmonster.com.

The Glamour of Grammar

I appreciated Joaquin's list for editing one's own writing - especially "Drown Your Darlings"!

I was interested to see in the August 22 New York Times Book Review, a review of a new book--The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English, by Roy Peter Clark. I don't know anything about Roy Peter Clark, but it sounds like it might be interesting. The reviewer calls it "a grammar book for the 21st century--a little more earthy, a little more relaxed." He also says "Clark wholeheartedly endorses breaking the commandments that make no sense, as long as in the breaking, the writing still holds up." When I have more time, I think this may deserve a look.

The Checklist for Editing

Going with the theme of the other posts, I decided to post a checklist that I found online entitled "How To Edit Your Own Writing (Self-Editing)." Editing my own work can sometimes be a bit difficult and having some form of parameters are helpful. I especially like the checklist that is provided goes into 11-key points.

Thank you, Lisa and Chad

Many thanks to Lisa and Chad for their posts. If there's one thing that's more fun than copyediting a manuscript, it's enjoying a joke about words or language. You get three things wrapped in one: humor, wit, and a practical lesson.

10 Words You Need to Stop Misspelling

There are some words that are commonly misspelled that can feel like nails on a chalkboard to an editor. Now, when you see your friends use them, you can just point them to this cartoon image.


My favorite part has to be the explanation for the proper spelling of 'a lot'.

You don't write alittle, abunch, acanteloupe, aporkchop.

So, don't write alot.

Why writing skills are so important

If one wishes to engage aggressively and cogently in debates surrounding important issues, especially in writing, one should at least be able to express oneself correctly, lest he or she be taken for a "moran."

Welcome

to the blog for students of Professional Editing. The last time the blog was active was in fall 2007. However, you will find that these posts are still helpful to you in learning, progressing, and succeeding.