Victoria Krouse
In this course, students practice editing longer texts to become familiar with the process of copy editing, learning how to approach a project and how to read like an editor. The focus is on mechanics, as defined by The Chicago Manual of Style, but there is some discussion of substantive editing as well. The course explores the different ways that “style” guides editorial tasks and offers exposure to text elements such as subheads, references, and notes. The idea of “consistency” is a main theme. Students will begin writing author queries designed to guide a successful author/editor relation. Topics include practicing basic copy editing, determining different levels of copy editing, working with the author’s voice and writing queries, the fundamentals of handling documentation, creating a project style sheet, maintaining consistency, and choosing resources.
Skills / Knowledge
- Know the difference between mechanical and substantive editing
- Refer to specific CMOS chapters as locations for particular categories of editorial problems
- Express and justify reasoning behind editorial changes NOT dictated by mechanical style rules
- Perform a basic line edit on texts that vary in length and style
- Compare and contrast different uses of style: CMOS, project style, literary style, house style, etc.
- Identify and repair inconsistencies in various text elements (spelling, naming, numbering, etc.)
- Communicate appropriately with authors and others involved in the publication process
- Be able to apply the rules of The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition, to actual texts
Issued on
January 3, 2025
Expires on
Does not expire