Don’t be Shy of That

oh, thatWhen we first learn to copy-edit we want to prove that we are awake and on the case. We may be tempted to tinker just to prove our worth, to show that there was value in hiring us in the first place. This also applies when we learn to proofread, but this post is focused on copy-editing skills not proofreading. (By the way, is focused spelled with one s or two, or either?) Well, we have to resist temptation. Never tinker. Tinkering is not copy-editing and tinkerers won’t get work from the same source twice!

Look at these sentences as a copy-editor might:

1 He denied that the evidence was clear to a copy-editor.

2 He denied the evidence was clear to a copy-editor.

3 You say that you are learning to proofread.

4 You say you are learning to proofread.

Are 1 and 3 better than 2 and 4? Or vice versa?

Well, some would say that 1 and 3 are better and others that 2 and 4 are less formal. The point is that if you are a copy-editor you will respect the author’s decision. It is his or her book, not yours. The only time you might deviate from this is if the author has otherwise been consistent in using or omitting that; then you could make a change. (Is my semicolon in the right place? Yes!)

Humble Copy-editors

that'll doTo learn to proofread or to copy-edit demands humility! Your grammar may be better than the author’s. But you must not become a pedant. You are not there to enforce so-called rules. Your job is to ease a book into print with as little fuss as possible and without alienating the author and the publisher. It is the publisher who will get all the flack from the author if you have tinkered. And it is the publisher who may decide not to use you again.

Our proofreading and copy-editing courses steer you through these difficult waters and show you how to avoid the hidden rocks.