Sally Kerrigan

I’m seeing a worrying trend of archival conferences slowly transitioning into in-person only. At first they were digital, then they were hybrid, and then digital accommodations for presenters under extenuating circumstances. This was problematic enough as digital audiences began to be eliminated. Many of whom finally felt they were able to participate for the first time. Presenters also needed to disclose why they needed digital accommodations. Something that may make presenters quite uncomfortable to disclose. Me 10 years ago certainly wouldn’t have been able to. There are certainly exceptions, but I’ve noticed that we are getting to a stage where some conferences are eliminating language that even suggests digital accommodations in their callouts. Conferences heavily focus on networking and hosting in-person only eliminates those who may benefit from that networking most. Travel can be difficult for many of us. For myself, it’s health related. I also think of those who need to care for small children or sick relatives, students/early career professionals/those in the global south who cannot afford to travel because few stipends exist, and those who work in very small non-profits that are not awarded the time to be away. This is particularly troubling when so many conferences are themed around underrepresentation. I understand the difficulties that go into organizing a conference. I’ve been responsible for organizing events, including conferences in the past. I was organizing guest lectures during the pandemic. There are contractual obligations to sponsors and host sites but we need to be doing more. So, think about why certain demographics are more prevalent in our field. By returning to in-person only, we’ll always be stuck at the stage of “we need to be a more inclusive field.” Those voices that are necessary for such inclusion initiatives will never get to participate in the “here’s how”.

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Yep. Most people think we proofreaders and copyeditors are flesh dictionaries. Although we have vast knowledge about how language works and how to apply grammar rules, it's impossible to know everything about something so malleable and spontaneous as language. Most words and phrases change quickly according to several variables like dialectical variations, sociological impacts on human experience, or even contextual jargon. Have you noticed how different we speak and think since most of us are constantly online? Did you know what a 'meme' was back in daily life before owning a personal computer or a smartphone? I bet you don't. Proofreaders and copyeditors should adapt to everyday speech changes and keep up-to-date with the latest grammar rules according to our time and academic research. Speakers shape their language. They use it left and right according to their needs to express themselves. That's why proofreaders and copyeditors use multiple resources like dictionaries and editing manuals. We can't know everything, but we learn something new each time we sit at our desktop. Our curiosity and passion for language make us go beyond our brains.

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Something I'm constantly doing as a copyeditor is looking things up, and perhaps compound words are what I look up most. Should a compound word be open (like "rib cage")? Should a compound word be closed (like "windowsill")? Should a compound word be hyphenated (like the noun "run-in")? It can be easy to know how to write many compound words we encounter regularly, but while editing manuscripts it's very common to stumble upon those that require a look-up. That's why I always, always have Merriam-Webster open in one of my browser tabs. (And, yes, M-W actually lists both "look-up" and "lookup" as acceptable spellings of the noun, so in a case like that, it's my job to ensure each instance of such words is written consistently throughout a manuscript.) Let me tell you about "motor home." I recently did a sample edit for a potential new client. His story features a motor home. He had written it as "motorhome" throughout his first chapter. As this is a compound I don't come across every day, I needed to look it up and, lo and behold, M-W lists it as "motor home." Apparently, many sites that sell motor homes write this as a closed compound, so it's completely understandable that this author went with that spelling; he clearly did his research. I decided to leave a query in the sample edit, explaining what I found in M-W. There's more leeway in fiction writing as compared to formal writing, so it would have been completely acceptable for this author to have gone with "motorhome" as a closed compound if that's what he thought looked better or if he wanted to stick with how many retailers write the noun. What's most important is maintaining consistency throughout a manuscript. It should either be always written as a closed compound or always written as an open compound. In this case, the author ended up choosing to go with the M-W entry, and he was so impressed with my desire to be meticulous that he's chosen to hire me to proofread his manuscript. I couldn't be happier. Copyediting is slow work. Nobody can memorize every compound in the English language, and that's only one sliver of the job. But it's worth doing it slowly and correctly. Having this mindset can help you be a better editor, and even land you projects that might've otherwise passed you by. (And, yes, M-W also lists "mind-set" as an acceptable, though less common, spelling.) Need an editor who'll check all those compounds for you? I'm Timothy, a fiction editor. My schedule is full for the remainder of 2024, but I'd love to start chatting about working together in 2025. Feel free to reach out if you're interested. Timothy #amediting #writingcommunity #editing #copyediting #proofreading #books #fiction 

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The perils of technical writing gone wrong - Is this your experience? How can you prevent this from being your experience? Let's connect in the comments below #technicaldocs #softwarestartups #softwareprojects #technicalwriting #customerfacingdocs #whitepapers #ebooks #longformcontent

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Many writers and editors think the Associated Press Stylebook is against using the serial (Oxford) comma. That’s not true. AP style *does* recommend using the serial comma in complex lists. For example, if one of the items in a list contains a conjunction, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Fritz enjoys snacking on bananas, cheese and crackers, and ice cream. Additionally, if the items in the list are long, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Helen changed the car’s worn tire before embarking on her big road trip, Raul shined the fenders until he could see his reflection in them, and Sara double-checked all fluid levels. AP does not recommend using a serial comma in a simple list: Dante bought strawberries, sliced turkey and rye bread. This is in contrast to most other style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, which calls for a serial comma in all lists. To learn more differences between AP style and Chicago style, check out Dragonfly Editorial’s field guide on this very topic. It’s titled “AP Style and Chicago Style: 15 Major Differences,” and the link is in the comments.

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One of the most common typos I see as a cookbook copyeditor and proofreader? Hellman's. It's Hellmann's, folks! Two n's. A close second? Frank's RedHot. Not Franks RedHot. Not Frank's Red Hot. This is your reminder to mind those proper nouns! #cookbookeditor #amediting #proofreader #copyeditor #cookbooks

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Submitting a messy draft for copyediting? While it’s natural to want an editor to fix everything, overly disorganized writing can cause even the best copyeditor to miss some errors. Here’s why: Cognitive Overload: When a copyeditor has to navigate through a chaotic structure, unclear points, or a jumbled narrative, their focus may shift to fixing bigger-picture continuity. This means smaller mistakes, like typos or punctuation errors, can easily slip through. Prioritization: In a draft full of major issues, a copyeditor will naturally focus on what’s most pressing—sentence structure, clarity, and flow. As a result, more minor errors might not get caught. It’s also important to understand how copyediting differs from line editing. Copyediting is about polishing the grammar, punctuation, and consistency, while line editing focuses on refining the prose—improving style, tone, and word choice. If your draft needs a deeper rewrite or heavy restructuring, you might need a line edit first before copyediting can be effective. Here are a few ways to help set your copyeditor up for success: 1. Clean Your Draft: Submit the best version you can. This allows the copyeditor to focus on fine-tuning instead of sorting out major issues. 2. Provide Context: If there are specific sections you're unsure about, let your editor know. The more they understand your intentions, the better they can help. 3. Don’t Rush the Process: Copyediting takes time. When deadlines are too tight, even the best editor may miss things. They are human. The goal is to work together to make your writing the best it can be. The clearer your draft, the more precise the edits will be. #Copyediting #WritingTips #EditingProcess #ProfessionalWriting

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Librarians: When was the last time you evaluated your written staff procedures? At a recent client meeting, my client and I discussed staff procedures, those documents that guide the front-line staff through a task. While this discussion involved the more technical side of documentation—for library software—we briefly touched on the importance of procedures for all aspects of work. And, most critically, the number of libraries we know who do not have written procedures. While writing procedures seems to be an easy task, it can be difficult. There are best practices to create a solid procedure that makes sense for all skill levels on staff, including volunteers and student helpers. The library world is full of jargon and acronyms, and as librarians, we tend to take for granted that everyone associated with the library—staff, volunteers, and patrons alike—know what we mean when we create any form of documentation. Let me help you. As a former public librarian with over 20 years of experience, and a department or library branch manager for 18 years, I wrote procedures for staff and volunteers, from the use of the ILS and e-products to opening and closing procedures, and even how-tos on those rarely performed tasks that tend to stymie the library’s daily operations. I also have experience writing emergency and safety manuals—what to include, how to lay out the steps to follow in a clear, concise manner, and how to make sure staff and volunteers understand their role in an emergency. My services for libraries can be a simple proofread of documents before presenting them to staff and/or the general public. Or, I can work with your organization to evaluate your current procedures, help design new procedures, and lead your organization on a path that makes your staff and volunteers comfortable handling any situation. I hold an MLIS and strongly believe in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics; as such, never fear that I would share any confidential information. I am willing to sign an NDA. Perhaps your organization needs someone to write a history of the library. I can help with that too! My rates are compatible with the going rates as advertised by the Editorial Freelancers Association, but I am willing to work within your organization’s budgetary constraints. Want to learn more? You can connect with me, DM me, or email me at Jessica.laganosky@gmail.com . I have a few openings remaining in 2024 and am currently booking for 2025. Feel free to repost to your network as well. I’m passionate about libraries, and I want to give you and your organization the tools to succeed, one document at a time. #freelancing #libraries #procedures #librarians #proofreaders #freelanceproofreaders #writer #freelancewriter Image shows the services offered for libraries on an orange background with white and yellow lettering.

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Exciting news! In one week, I'll be teaching on self-editing for suspense at a sentence level! This is basically what I taught at PENCON 2024, but this time I'll be speaking to writers, not editors. In the upcoming workshop, we'll dive in to narrative suspense and simple ways you can improve your prose to heighten suspense at a sentence level. It will be a jam-packed session, so be sure to be ready to take notes! Plus, there will be a live Q&A at the end, so you'll get to ask questions and get answers! When: June 6, 2024 Time: 7 p.m. Eastern time Where: Online at The 540 Writers Community Zoom session Cost: Free! Want to join? Head to https://buff.ly/3VeHiYm and sign up to the newsletter! Will I see you there? ✒️✒️ ✒️ Hey there! I'm Claire Tucker, a copyeditor and proofreader who works with authors to achieve excellence. I have experience editing a wide range of genres, including fantasy, YA, Southern fiction, and suspense, as well as Christian nonfiction, devotionals, and short stories. If you're a first-time author looking to publish with confidence or a veteran looking for a fresh set of eyes to catch sneaky typos, I could be the editor for you! Leave a comment, drop me a DM, or visit my website EditWithClaire.com to learn more.

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Ever wondered what a copyeditor is really looking at? Check out my Copyeditor’s Checklist for some examples https://lnkd.in/g2fcdW_z

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Accessibility news for American schools and universities... The US government has released new requirements. Today, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) officially published a final rule for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title 2. In the past, the DoJ has confirmed that the ADA covers digital content and services. The final rule clarifies what that means for public schools and universities. I have provided a link to the full text of the rule in a comment. But here's a very brief summary. (1) Digital content and services must be accessible. (2) To be "accessible," a product must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.1, Level AA (WCAG 2.1 AA). This is a minimum requirement. (3) Fewer exceptions will be allowed. (4) Institutions will have 2 to 3 years to comply. For me, one of the biggest takeaways is that content must meet WCAG 2.1. Over the last two years, some state Departments of Education have transitioned to WCAG 2.1. Educational publishers have also moved in that direction. But many schools and universities still aim for WCAG 2.0. In part, the continued focus on WCAG 2.0 relates to US accessibility law. WCAG 2.0 AA is the standard defined in Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 508 doesn't specifically apply to educational institutions. But state funding and federal grant rules often require it. I'm not going to get into the weeds comparing WCAG 2.0 to 2.1. But here's one major difference. WCAG 2.1 has new standards for image contrast and reflow. These standards can significantly affect learning products such as digital textbooks, PDF journal articles, and graphics-heavy STEM content. Another big takeaway: The final rule also applies to content created by individual instructors. Not just officially procured products. How can institutions achieve accessibility at the instructor level? It's easy to say, "Invest in increased awareness-building, training, and instructional design support." But budgets and skilled staff are often limited. Schools may need outside partners to help build accessibility solutions for specific courses or instructors. Inevitably, there will be puzzles to solve as institutions respond to the final rule. But I applaud the DoJ for finally bringing some clarity to ADA Title 2. In the end, everyone benefits from clearer expectations and timelines. Image description: A notecard, eraser, and pencil lie on a desk. The following text is written on the notecard. A.D.A. Title 2, Final Rule. 1, Digital content must be accessible. 2, Accessible = WCAG 2.1 AA or more. 3, Fewer exceptions allowed. 4, Timeline = 2 to 3 years. #accessibility #inclusion #EdTech #HigherEd #education

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As a freelance copyeditor, it’s important to find ways to enjoy the job and stay motivated. Here are some tips that have helped me (and that I'm still working on myself, honestly): 1. Choose Projects You Care About Whenever possible, take on work that aligns with your interests or passions. Editing content that inspires you makes the process more engaging. 2. Set Boundaries Freelancing offers flexibility, but it’s essential to establish a routine and set clear boundaries with clients. Don’t be afraid to say no if you feel overwhelmed. Maintaining balance is key. 3. Build Strong Client Relationships Consistent, clear communication with clients is critical. A strong rapport makes the editing process smoother and can lead to repeat business. 4. Stay Organized  Use project management tools to track deadlines and tasks. Staying organized reduces stress and allows you to focus on the quality of your work. 5. Keep Learning The publishing world is constantly evolving, so keep up with new trends, grammar rules, and style guides. Lifelong learning helps keep your work fresh and exciting. 6. Take Breaks (This one is huge!) Working on multiple projects or staring at the screen for hours can be draining. Taking regular breaks helps you recharge and boosts productivity. 7. Celebrate Wins  Whether it’s finishing a tough project or hitting a deadline, acknowledge your successes. Celebrating small wins can help you stay motivated. 8. Connect with Other Freelancers Freelancing can feel isolating at times, so build a network of other editors, writers, or freelancers. Sharing advice and experiences with peers can help you stay grounded and motivated. 9. Define Your Why Always remind yourself why you chose to be a copyeditor in the first place. Understanding your "why" will keep you inspired, even when projects get challenging. 10. Enjoy the Freedom  Freelancing offers unique flexibility. Embrace the freedom of setting your own schedule, choosing your workspace, and working on projects that resonate with you. Hope these tips help you find joy and satisfaction in your #freelance #copyediting career! #Publishing #BookMaking #Editing #Freelancing #Copyeditor

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Still a popular question; what does a copyeditor do? What does my job entail? The copyeditor’s job is to eliminate errors and inconsistencies in the text and to resolve ambiguities or quirks that could interfere with reader comprehension and enjoyment. I follow style guides to ensure that the books I’m working on follow the same conventions for things like punctuation, capitalization, hyphenation, and so on. I also create a style sheet for each book I edit to make sure that the choices made within the book are self-consistent. Authors have to think about a ton of things other than making consistent style choices, which is as it should be. I basically step in to take that task off their shoulders. I want my clients to feel like I am there to help and remove that burden rather than someone who is only there to correct them and make them feel bad about any mistakes they make. There is no judgement, only help! Sign up for my newsletter at www.wordonthesheet.com to learn a little more about my services and reach out any time! #amediting #copyeditor #grammar #style #freelancer #styleguide

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On the topic of style guides for technical writing, I think it's important to clear up what seems to be a common misperception, which is that a style guide is some set of complex grammar rules that writers must follow to produce documentation. In reality, style guides, which originated with journalism and academic writing, are ways to make sure that a diverse group of writers follow the same guidelines to produce content that is consistent in formatting and style. In the academic world, style guides are important for presenting citations in a form that enables readers to refer to those sources on their own. In the world of technical writing, for example, they are important for making sure that references to interface elements are consistently formatted so readers can always tell from the formatting itself what is is being referred to. It doesn't matter whether that formatting is bold or italic, as long as everyone writing the docs uses the same formatting. A common issue I've seen over the years is that writers will use quotation marks instead of a different font to indicate code, which makes it confusing to the reader whether the quotation marks are part of the code or just a typographic indicator. As evidence, I present a screenshot of the topics in my own Style Guide that I have used in various roles for the past 10 years. It's a relatively small list of items, with only one real grammar rule: don't use the passive. All the rest are conventions to follow, and which represent the things I check for when I'm copyediting. I don't expect that anyone who is contributing to the docs will follow all of these guidelines exactly, but they also give me a place to start with editing to make sure that the many minds behind the documentation speak with one voice.

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When I started my career, I didn't know what tech writing was. 5 years in, I thought a career as a tech writer meant my day-to-day would look the same as it did at that moment. If things are feeling stagnant for you, consider putting together a tech writing career "bucket list" — a list of skills you want to develop, projects you want to take on, or roles you want to do at some point in your career. Here's a list of potential items that I put together: https://lnkd.in/g-ZGpGss What's on your career bucket list?

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Want to know what happens when you work with a non-fiction copyeditor? Of course you do! Here’s my six-step process:   1. Get to know you 👋   This is where you tell me all about your project (e.g. the subject matter/niche, target audience, scope of work, word count and deadline). I'll let you know if it's in my wheelhouse and whether I’m available.   2. Provide a sample edit ✍ To find how much work is required (and if we're a good fit), I'll provide a 1000-word sample edit. I charge A$50 for this service. If we move ahead, I'll deduct it from the project fee. Note: If you’re a book publisher, the fee for a sample edit is waived, but I can still provide a sample edit so you can get a feel for my style and provide feedback. This helps me tailor the edit to your needs. 3. Send a quote 💲   If you like the sample edit, I’ll provide a full quote for the project. Once approved, I’ll send an agreement for you to review and sign. This includes all the deliverables, scope of work and payment milestones. I'll also request a 50% deposit.   Note: Deposits are waived for book publishers or retainer clients.   4. Start editing 💻 I'll complete the edit in the agreed timeframe and let you know if there are any issues or questions along the way. If I'm copyediting a book, I'll send chapters separately for feedback. 5. Deliver the files 📝 Depending on our agreement, I'll deliver the Word files with or without markup. Once approved, I’ll send an invoice for the balance of the project fee. 6. Wrap up 🎁 If you've got more editing projects, we can arrange to work together again. If not, I'll ask for feedback and a testimonial! P.S. This process may change depending on whether I’m working with business clients, self-publishing authors or book publishers – but it’s a good idea of what you can expect! ---------------- Got a non-fiction book or marketing copy that needs a lick and a polish? Send me a DM or click the sample edit link in my featured section. I have slots open from mid-November for non-fiction copyediting and proofreading. Areas of expertise include cooking, gardening, business, biography, memoir, history, how-to guides, creative non-fiction and marketing copy.

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One of the biggest typos I've seen in my experience is "loose" and "lose." Loose is an adjective referring to something not tight. Lose is a verb. ;-) Make sure you keep wary of this, but don't stress too hard. Example: You must lose the loose language. https://a.co/d/04zMJLfH #proofreaidngtips #proofreadingservices #grammarmatters #bookstoread

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A big part of a copyeditor's job is to edit for concision. We do this by deleting extra words, lengthy phrases, and repetitive ideas. ✂ This creates a manuscript that's clear, engaging, and straight to the point. We make sure every sentence shines without an extra ounce of fluff. ☁ ❌ He fell down. ✅ He fell. ❌ She nodded her head in agreement. ✅ She nodded in agreement. ___________________________________ 👋 Hi, I'm Lora 📚 #Proofreader and #copyeditor for authors and publishers 💕 Specialize in romance, also work with suspense, YA, historical fiction, memoirs, and self-help 👯‍♀️ Friendly service 🖍 Free 1,500-word sample edit 📬 loraseditorial@gmail.com 💻 www.loraseditorial.com

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Today is National Punctuation Day!! What punctuation mark(s) trip(s) you up the most? Share in the comments. And in honor of National Punctuation Day, I'm resharing a blog post I wrote about commas. [Blog post is originally from April 2019.] #punctuation #nationalpunctuationday #grammar #grammarnerd #writingcommunity #punctuationmatters

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