Something I often come across when proofreading dialogue-heavy fiction are dialogue tags that aren’t actually dialogue tags. To clarify, in order for a word to be considered a dialogue tag, it needs to “be about speaking.” For instance, “smiled” is not a dialogue tag because someone can’t “smile” a sentence. If a writer is intent […]
What’s a Dialogue Tag? (And What Isn’t) Read More »
As I’m proofreading, I often come across errant em dashes. Many people don’t know if these should be surrounded by spaces or not. Here’s a brief refresher. According to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS), em dashes are not surrounded by spaces. However, AP (the Associated Press) does want a space both before and after
How To Properly Space Those Em Dashes Read More »
Just finished up a quick turnaround copyedit on a short story. I now have another sample edit to complete and submit, then I start a proofread of a fantasy novel tomorrow. I’ve already committed to several other short stories in the coming weeks as well. Plus I’m still waiting to hear back from some authors
A Quick Update (10/19/21) Read More »
Wanna learn a new word today? How about straphanger? According to Merriam-Webster, a straphanger is a standing passenger in a subway, streetcar, bus, or train who clings for support to one of the short straps or similar devices placed along the aisle.
Let’s Learn a New Word (10/18/21) Read More »
Wanna learn a new word today? How about hobgoblin? This is a great word for this time of the year. According to Merriam-Webster, a hobgoblin is simply a mischievous goblin. I always think of the Spiderman villain when I see this word. I also never realized there were goblins that weren’t mischievous. (Shows how much I
Let’s Learn a New Word (10/15/21) Read More »
I just learned a new word: yogi. Merriam-Webster says a yogi is a person who practices yoga. If capitalized, it is an adherent of Yoga philosophy. It can also mean a markedly reflective or mystic person. As someone whose wife is doing yoga as I type this, I had never heard this term before.
Do You Know What a Yogi Is? Read More »
(I’ll preface this post by saying that I live in the US.) So I have to share this Merriam-Webster tidbit. When you search “realtor” in M-W, the only result that comes back is “Realtor.” That’s right: it’s capitalized. The definition M-W gives is “used for a real estate agent who is a member of the
“Realtor” Should Be Capitalized? What? Read More »
Earlier today I completed a sample edit for an author on Facebook. This was a quick turnaround (I was presented with the opportunity just this morning), and it got me thinking about my personal growth as an editor. A year ago, I would not have been able to complete a sample edit of this size
On Growth, Speed, and What’s Important Read More »
Today I want to highlight the three most important things I believe have helped me achieve the success I have today. Hopefully they provide some guidance to those who are just beginning their proofreading journeys; maybe this will invite others to share their stories. The first thing is researching/studying. Though the proofreading course I took
How Did I Get Here? Read More »
Wanna learn a new word today? How about ilk? According to Merriam-Webster, ilk (a noun) is a synonym for “sort” or “kind.”
Let’s Learn a New Word (9/29/21) Read More »