How to Become a Copy Editor

How to Become a Copy Editor How to Become a Copy Editor How to Become a Copy Editor By Mark Nichol If my recent post about copyediting, or anything else you’ve read or heard about the profession, intrigues you, and you’d like to give it a try, read this advice before you commit: Research Find a managing editor often, MEs are former copy editors or a current copy editor at a nearby company (or locate a freelancer) and request an informational interview. If you’re bashful about â€Å"bothering† someone you don’t know, ask yourself, â€Å"Would I assent if I were in their place?† Most people are happy to share advice with would-be colleagues as long as they don’t come across as predators out to eat them and take their place. Just make sure you don’t try to turn it into a job interview, that you answer the â€Å"dumb† questions yourself ahead of time (by reading articles like this one) and compile some detailed, insightful queries, and keep your promise not to take up too much of their time. It is OK to ask them to let you know, after you tell them they’ve inspired you to pursue copyediting, if they hear about any opportunities or have any more advice to share with you. If you’re already employed in publishing, journalism, or marketing, or have a job in another profession where written communication is a key part of the business, check in with the managing editor, content manager, or whoever by any other name coordinates production of copy and ask them about copyediting opportunities. Many companies don’t have staff copy editors per se, but often copyediting is performed by people with other job titles; find out what those jobs are, and apply for them when they’re advertised in house. Learn Copy editors are the gatekeepers of good grammar. But an English or journalism degree doesn’t confer that status on you; good copy editors are not only innately skilled at what they do but also intimately familiar with any one of several style manuals the particular one depends on the type of publishing and often the specific company. (Many book, magazine, and newspaper publishers have their own guides that both supplement and supersede any others.) Most copy editors who work in book and magazine publishing must get to know The Chicago Manual of Style. It’s a thick tome, but only about half a dozen chapters about grammar, capitalization and other emphasis, numbers, and the like are critical. For newspapers and many online publications, The Associated Press Stylebook, more a directory of accepted usage than a style manual, is the resource of record. The proximity of a well-loved copy of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, or Merriam-Webster Online among a computer’s bookmarks, is a sure sign of a copy editor. Prospective copy editors, whether employees, contractors, or freelancers, must usually pass a rigorous test that generally consists of an error-ridden writing sample. But just as important as knowing what to revise is understanding how much editing is too much, as well as demonstrating your problem-solving skills. Many people who hire copy editors appreciate those who, rather than asking, â€Å"What should I do about this?† say, â€Å"Here’s what I did about this. OK?† Many university continuing-education programs have one or more courses in copyediting, where you’ll get focused training with a professional. It’s a great networking opportunity, too, because often, students in such classes aren’t necessarily setting out to become copy editors; they may just want to learn copyediting skills to help them in other jobs involving written communication. One of these people might need your help someday. You can also teach yourself Amy Einsohn’s The Copyeditor’s Handbook is the best DIY resource but one or more on-site or online courses will guide you more effectively. Either way, Einsohn’s book, originally conceived as a companion to Chicago, is a handy item. Develop Be prepared to pay your dues. Copyediting is a distinctive skill, and adept practitioners are highly sought after, but it’s also a competitive profession. It will generally take at least a few years to become more than competent. Look for job openings at small newspapers, apply for online copyediting gigs and jobs, and take any internship or entry-level job (such as editorial assistant) in a print or Web-based publishing enterprise you can get; after a stint in that position, ask to take a crack at copyediting assignments or apply when a copyediting job opens up. Be open to proofreading work, too. Proofreading is a similar but simpler skill, involving typographical errors more than substantive editing issues (and it usually pays less), but many copy editors practice both skills, and proofreading is often an entree to copyediting. Eventually, you may decide on a preferred medium books, periodicals, Web sites, reports, all of which have widely different formats, procedures, and other qualities but be flexible when you start your copyediting career. You can always shift to another publishing realm later. As I used to tell my copyediting students only half-jokingly the copy editor’s most essential attribute is omniscience. The best copy editors are voracious (and promiscuous) lifelong learners: Not only do they continuously hone their skills I’m still learning things after a quarter century they are also indiscriminate readers; I can’t tell you how many times my passion for learning random facts and ideas has helped me catch potentially embarrassing errors or correct unfortunate misconceptions. My favorite example: Years ago, when I was copyediting, in proof form, a revised edition of an astronomy textbook, I immediately recognized three factual errors in the caption for an iconic photograph of an Apollo 11 astronaut that read â€Å"Edward Aldrin.† If you can rattle off the trio of trip-ups using only your brain, then maybe you can be one of the few, the proud, the copy editors. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Beautiful and Ugly Words"Have" vs "Having" in Certain Expressions50 Musical Terms Used in Nonmusical Senses

The American Flag and its Growing Controversy essays

The American Flag and its Growing Controversy essays The American Flag and its Growing Controversy The American flag, to many, is the symbol of life and liberty. Freedom from oppression and the ability to run one's own life with minimal government intervention is what our country fought for all those years ago. The day after the SpanishAmerican War was declared, schools mandated the worship of the flag (Kaminer). So, when the issue of burning our great flag arises, everyone should be against it, right? Well, not exactly. The first amendment of the Constitution states that American citizens have the right to express themselves through free speech. Essentially, burning the American flag is speech without dialogue. Therefore, according to the Constitution, flag desecration is legal. However, flag protectionists are not going to give up that easy. The main controversy surrounding this issue is whether an amendment forbidding flag burning would infringe on our first amendment rights. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled that flag desecration was protected under our first amendment rights. In 1995, a constitutional amendment that would have given Congress the power to ban flag desecration was introduced to the Senate and the House of Representatives (Kaminer). The amendment passed through the House but failed in the Senate by a mere three votes. In February 1997, a similar amendment was again introduced to the Senate and the House Of Representatives (Kaminer). It also failed, but it does show the growing concern about the issue of flag burning. Protectors of the flag argue that burning an American flag is like spitting in the face of America and its democracy. On the other hand, flag burners argue that under America's democracy, they were given the right to express themselves freely. Obviously, this issue may never be settled with a positive outcome. Some arguments that flag burners have raised in their own defense include such things as having a flag bumper s...

International Finance in USA Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

International Finance in USA - Assignment Example Last March 9, 2006, the US Census Bureau/US Bureau of Economic Analysis issued a press release outlining the state of the country’s economy. It announces that total January exports of $114.4Billion and imports of 182.9 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $68.5 billion, which is $ 3.4 billion, more than the 65.1 billion in December. January exports were 2.8 billion more than December exports of 111.6 billion. January imports were 62.2 billion more than December imports of 176.6 billion. (U.S. Department of Commerce, March 9, 2006). The balance of payments (or BOP) is a measure upon which a country traces how much money flows into or out of a given country or countries1. Factors involved in the determination of balance of payment is the country’s export2 and import3 of goods, services and financial capital4, including financial transfers. The need for some balance of payments statistics can be traced back to the Fourteenth century when the Bullionist Doctrine5 was developed in England which led to the prohibition of export of bullion. This is the early form of Mercantilism which seeks to achieve an equilibrium between the value of exports and imports (Soderstien 1980). The latter part of the Mercantilist period observed that there are also transactions which stem from trade relations outside of the country and should be taken into considerations in order to establish a state of economic equilibrium. The principle of balance of payment gives us an idea of how much money or wealth is flowing and how much is flowing out of the county. If the amount of wealth flowing out of the country is more than the amount flowing into such a country, we have a negative balance of payment or a deficit. In the same manner, where more wealth enters into the country than that which flows out, then we have a positive balance which we refer to as surplus.  

Communication or marketing strategies Case Study

Communication or marketing strategies - Case Study Example There are three basic objectives behind communication strategy. These are to create awareness about the brand, to shape the consumer's outlook towards it and also to stimulate her purchasing intent towards the brand. This process has become significantly more important nowadays due to influx of huge numbers of alternative products in any category and due to the ever increasing number of choices in front of the consumer; in the automobile industry the situation is not any different. So to entice the consumer towards a brand and to excite her to buy the product, then making sure that she stays on with the brand and makes a repeat purchase are some of the fundamental imperative objectives of any communication strategy. (Vos M., Schoemaker H., Rusland G., 2004). Ford Motor Company was established in the year 1919 in US. The company produces a range of automobiles from cars to trucks and buses under brands like Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo. The company also deals in financial services, the prominent among them being Ford Motor Credit Company also know as Ford Credit. (Full Description, April 2009) Under Cars the brands are Focus sedan, Focus Coupe, Fusion Mustang and Tauras.I n Hybrids the brands are Fusion hybrid an Escape hybrid. The crossover brands are Taurus X, Flex and Edge. SUVs comprise of Escape, Sport Trac, Expedition and Explorer. The trucks range consists of Ranger, F-150, F-250 Super Duty, F - 450 Super Duty and E-Series. Important marketing campaigns: Important marketing campaigns in recent times; objectives, target and strategies: Bold Moves Campaign - In 2006 May, Ford launched a new campaign under the concept 'Bold Moves' to inspire buyers to recognize and appreciate the company's bold new image. The campaign uses famous singer Kelly Clarkson's music with images and video portraying cars and buyers. The goal behind the campaign has been to change the mindset of the consumer towards Ford vehicles which have not been selling in large number. Critics have argued about the campaign pointing out that only a bold campaign would not be making any difference rather a bold product portfolio would help the company in notching up sales. Some experts said that the company had launched the campaign keeping in mind the future also. They said Ford might be using this campaign to make the consumer ready for its future launch of bold vehicles. JWT Marriott was the agency behind the campaign and they claimed that the campaign was a long term one with a complete turn around of the brand on their minds. The turn around effort w as termed the Way Forward by the company.( Ford's bold moves fall flat with viewers, August 2006) The Bold Moves campaign was used massively for the Ford crossover vehicle the new EDGE. The company planned to spend more than $100 million behind advertising for the EDGE model. The campaign consisted of television ads on various language TVs which included English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, etc. famous singer Beyonce Knowles was roped in for singing in the ads.

Peuasive Speech on Uniforms Essay Example for Free

Peuasive Speech on Uniforms Essay Studies have shown that schools with uniforms function as a whole better than schools without them. Their attendance is better and there are fewer distractions. They instil school spirit and students look more professional. They eliminate fads and jealously between the students because of the latest designer labels. Everyone is treated equally with uniforms and it encourages self expression and individuality through academics, extracurricular activities and not by the clothing they wear. They eliminate a reason to feel self-conscious, helping to improve self-confidence of students. School uniforms ensure that students will come to school in appropriate clothing, and ready to learn. In grade 7 I learned that we would be getting uniforms for my grade 8 year. I wasn’t too pleased to hear the news but I soon realized all of the benefits of a uniform. Safety is a big issue in schools these days, especially with all the gang violence and shootings happening in Toronto. When a school has a uniform it is very easy to spot an outsider because of the way they are dressed. If everyone at school is wearing the uniform and someone enters a school not wearing the uniform they can easily be spotted and reported to the office. Many of you are on teams, be it in school or outside. Teams have uniforms to show pride and unity for the school or club they represent. How good does it feel putting on that football or rugby uniform before a game? When you put that uniform on all you can think of is the sport that jersey represents, your performance on the field. That uniform or jersey was specially made to be worn during that sport. When you win you feel pride in wearing the jersey around, and being seen in it. These same key points apply to school uniforms. School uniforms infuse school spirit inside and outside of school, when you put on that uniform and come to school all you should be thinking about it your performance in school, which encourages less distractions. A school uniform is designed specially to promote education and professionalism. Think about how much you spend on your school clothes each year. Regular clothing is becoming far more expensive than a uniform. Back to school shopping would get some much easier, with a school uniform. You would be able to get more nice and expensive clothes for outside of school. A school uniform is very durable and lasts longer than regular clothing because they are made especially for repeated wash and wear. They can also be handed down through siblings going to the same school.

Nora’s Relationship with Torvald Essay -- A Dolls House Relationships

Nora’s Relationship with Torvald The drastic change in Nora’s relationship with Torvald that occurs during the course of the play is made quite evident by what she says and the way she delivers her speech. At the beginning of the play Nora seems completely happy with her doll-like relationship with Torvald. She responds affectionately to Torvald’s teasing and plays along with him – â€Å"if you only knew what expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald†. She is quite happy to be Torvald’s â€Å"little featherbrain†. However, as the play continues, Nora starts to realise that her marriage has been a performance and that she needs her own freedom. She becomes more rebellious, starts to use the imperative with Torvald and somewhat abandons her childlike language. As the play reaches its end, Nora becomes totally independent from Torvald and talks to him from equal to equal, not daughter to father. At the beginning of the play, Nora’s relationship with Torvald seems that of a child with her father. She is patronised, called a â€Å"little squirrel†, a â€Å"skylark† and accused of being a â€Å"spendthrift† because she can’t save money although she seems quite happy to be called so as she doesn’t complain about it and even plays along - when Torvald says â€Å"scampering about like a little squirrel?† she just answers â€Å"yes† instead of complaining about being treated like a little girl. When Torvald asks her â€Å"what do they call little birds who are always making money fly?† she answers â€Å"yes, I know, spendthrifts† as if she had been taught that lesson many times because she is so childish that she keeps on making the same mistake. She never contradicts her husband – â€Å"very well, Torvald, if you say so† – asks for his approval like a... ...and that â€Å"it’s no good your forbidding me anything any longer† because she has freed herself. By the end of the play Nora has her own voice, not Torvald’s, she is no longer his doll that will do whatever he asks to please him, no longer his â€Å"little skylark† and â€Å"not the wife for you†. Over the course of the play, the alteration in Nora’s relationship with Torvald is made evident by the change in the way she speaks. At the beginning, she is his â€Å"little squirrel†, a childish â€Å"featherbrain† that is pampered and patronised by Torvald. The various turning points in the action, where Nora starts to change the way she speaks, using the imperative and contradicting Torvald start to show the change in the relationship that is completed by the end of the play, when Nora talks clearly to Torvald from equal to equal, having a voice of her own, no longer his doll.

Comparing the Childhood and the Present Life

In the course of growing and becoming adult all people change their habits, points of view, interests and their appearances. But all people vary in different ways: some people deviate just in their appearance and don’t change their habits at all, but the others change absolutely all in themselves. Nevertheless there is one thing that we can’t change during all our life, this thing is our memory. Things that are learned early in life are the hardest to change or unlearn.Early conceptions of the world, even if lost to consciousness, remain a part of our memory and may influence our behaviors in some very interesting ways. For example when I was a child I attempted to explain and make sense of my world in terms of my experience. By the very nature of my limited number of years, my experience was not very wide or deep. My interpretations of the world, why things happened, were extremely limited and often very inaccurate. All things were divided by me into two groups: black and white or bad and good.I didn’t understand why my parents scolded me and why they forbade me different things that I wanted to do. And all what I had to do was discover the world around me. However when I became a teenager, things were starting to look more difficult. I left my toys behind and started looking for my own personality. I formed my main aims that I wanted to achieve in the future. And now I’ve turned 18, and I bet I could fill the entire paper with stories about what I used to be like, odd habits, that I dropped and so forth.Now I’m considered an adult. Of course I’ll continue to learn and experience new things, but the essence of my character won’t change. Hence, I should develop myself to become successful and outstanding person. Apart from the habits and the behavior I have changed outwardly. Earlier I had a round face with smooth and tan skin, with distinked eyes, with dimples, and without any wrinkles on my forehead. But now I can say that my face is more oval, and in general i’ve become well-build and broad-shouldered!!