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Editing with Word’s Read Aloud Feature

After a publisher client suggested that all its editors try Word’s Read Aloud feature to help eliminate errors such as missing or repeated words, I decided to give it a shot. I hadn’t used the feature before and suspected I’d react badly to another voice in my head while editing. But for a last look […]

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Sign on the Dotted Line: The Editing Contract

Signing a contract can be intimidating. What am I getting into here? What might be lurking in the fine print? When it comes to the author–editor relationship, contracts can reassure authors that they’ve chosen the right editor that the editor will provide the services they want that the pay and delivery schedule will meet their […]

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What Are Zombie Rules in Grammar?

Zombies are fueled by mindless hunger, and this mindlessness is part of what makes them scary. If you have a choice between reasoning with a zombie and bashing one in the head with a shovel, the latter approach is more likely to help you avoid becoming one of the undead yourself. Zombie rules in grammar […]

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Three Quick Tips for Grammar Quizzes

Online grammar quizzes pop up all over the place, and I often find them hard to resist. I’m a copyeditor, so why bother with quizzes I should breeze through? Isn’t it like shooting fish in a barrel? Yes, but it always feels good to ace something, and people working outside traditional office settings often need […]

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I Like Your Style! A Quick Look at the Major Style Guides

Style guides promote consistency for clear and accurate communication. A consistent approach to style shows professionalism and builds trust with the reader. Consistency also helps readers understand what is being communicated without having to question whether inconsistencies were intentional or a case of sloppiness or inattention. If two instances of the same term are styled […]

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5 Tips for Winning NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is almost upon us. I participated for the first time three years ago and now have three successful campaigns under my belt (meaning I’ve hit the 50,000-word mark each time). Brag much, James? I know, I know, but if I’m going to offer tips for the event I should at […]

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What Level of Editing Do You Need?

You’ve completed your manuscript and are eager to send it out into the world, but for your sake (and for the sake of your work) it’s important to determine the level of editing you require.

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5 Reasons Authors Need Style Sheets

Any good copy editor will provide a style sheet when returning an edited manuscript to an author. But, you might ask, just what the heck is a style sheet and does an author really need one?

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If the Story Is Good Enough, No One Will Care About a Few Typos, Right?

You’ve just put the finishing touches on your masterpiece and cannot wait to share it with the world. There’s no reason to wait another second, right?

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