Marking Paper Copy

Chapter 4, Questions 1-6

1.

 2.

3. Any editor’s job is to stick up for the reader’s best interest. If I, as a copyeditor, noticed a poor stylistic choice that could significantly alter the reader’s understanding of the content, I would either send a note to the comprehensive editor or attach a query to the writer.

4. Although circling an abbreviation or number is supposed to tell the writer to spell the word out, circles are also used outside the text around graphic design edits. To avoid confusion, I could delete the abbreviation and spell out the words to be inserted. 

5. No, the editor typically does not have the freedom to make minor spelling changes according to her personal preference. The style is usually agreed upon before the editor has the document. This is so that the document will be consistent with the client’s other work or the norm in a specific field. Hyphens in particular are often governed by which style is used (i.e. AP versus MLA). 

6. Revisions of critical edits:

1. The readers may not have much familiarity with the topic. They might have an easier time with less abstractions, short sentences, and simple vocab.
2. Using first-person and active voice in these instructions would make it clearer to the reader that they are supposed to act.
3. Could these sentences be rewritten to flow more smoothly?
4. Consider adding a section heading and topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to highlight the purpose of this section.
5. Consider moving the main objectives of the training session to the beginning. It will be easier for the reader if the info is organized by importance/chronology/etc.
6. In your project statement, consider adding why your work is important.