If you could tell a new copy editor three things...

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Permalink Reply by Deldog on July 22, 2008 at 7:39am

Rachel:

Stick the sharp stick in a drawer. Maybe leave the drawer open an inch or 2 so people know the stick's in there, but don't carry it on your hip.

So, here are my top three tips for new copy editors:

1. If it doesn't make sense to you, it won't make sense to a reader.

2. When writing a head, think about what's new, what's unique, what made you take notice. Make the headline the first thing you'd tell a friend about the story.

3. Stop complaining. If reporters knew AP style, if photographers could spell, and if their editors knew everything about the community, you'd be teaching middle school English.

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Permalink Reply by John Dennehy on September 29, 2008 at 11:28am

I've been working as a copy editor for about a year now and I think the second point made by Deldog is crucial.

A good headline gets the detail, the extra significance and draws the reader in, which (of course) is the goal.

For example: "fog caused a huge car crash" as opposed to bad weather, "boy, 13, hit by truck" as opposed to just boy etc etc

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Permalink Reply by Niki Cheong on September 30, 2008 at 5:43am

Hi,

I've been copy editing for three years now and hope I am able to share a bit.

Firstly, newbies, especially students, need to be reminded to keep their egos in check. I myself was guilty of this - I thought that I could write better than everyone and started altering the stories because I could. Not only is this unfair to the writers but also dangerous because things can be taken out of context.

Secondly, never assume. I've found myself having to listen to ranting writers/reporters about how an additional word, or rephrasing have taken someone's quote/opinion out of context. They would know best of course, so always safe to ask and check.

As for headlines and the likes, always remember to keep it punchy, relevant and current - it would depend on what kinds of stories but try to be more adventurous with the lifestyle/feature stories. And get them to read a lot - because that is where they will pick up new words, phrases and ideas.

Hope this helps :)

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Permalink Reply by Dave Brooks on September 30, 2008 at 6:16am

have students read the Testy Copy Editors web site, but only to see what behavior to avoid.

Many of that site's regulars - experienced and probably excellent text editors - are bitter old-timers pissed off by a changing world. Worse, they regard reporters as morons, which is the single biggest mistake that a copy editor can make. Approach your job with the exactly opposite attitude, and you'll be doing well.

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Permalink Reply by Henry Howard on September 30, 2008 at 8:54am

The previous posters contributed some good ideas. Here are some additional areas to consider:

1. Be a sponge. Copy editors have to understand various issues (some of which can be very complicated) on tight deadlines. Ask probing questions about stories that you are handling/just handled.
2. Dive in. Copy editors don't just edit copy any more. Learn how to design a page. Better yet learn how to handle basic online posting, or how to edit a video. Copy editors with skills in multiple areas will be highly sought after.
3. Get it right. Whether it's a story you are editing, a headline you are writing, or a web update you are publishing, make sure that it is accurate. If it's not, readers will notice and may go elsewhere for their news.

Hope this is helpful.

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Permalink Reply by John Dennehy on September 30, 2008 at 11:32am

could agree more with the second point by henry.

most of the copy editors I know can do page design, it's almost a given now. the more skills you can learn the more indispensable you will be to a boss.

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Permalink Reply by Fiona Cullinan on October 15, 2008 at 7:13am

Don't be too hard on yourself when writing headlines - at first it took me ages to come up with anything decent. Now I tend to scan the opening pars and have a quick brainstorm (or is it thought shower they call it these days?) at the start. Then I read the copy and once I've soaked up the story then I see if I can improve on my headline ideas. I find getting some kind of head in there early on takes the pressure off timewise as you're editing.

Oh and I totally agree with the 'if it doesn't make sense to you, it won't make sense to the reader'.

I'd also add that the moment you think I won't check that one little thing, that's the one little thing that will be wrong.

And don't be shy about asking the chief sub (or whatever the boss is called in the US) about levels of checking - just the spelling of the names, the facts as well, or only when something doesn't add up. This is especially important when working in different places as a freelancer.

Hope that helps.

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