Make Copy Shine By Editing 2023

GET IN THE MINDSET:

A keen editorial eye is obsessive. The savvy editor has the mind of a perfectionist — no small error should be left unaddressed and no comment should be left unchecked.

GET STARTED:

Read through the story once without making a single mark. Allow yourself to see it through the eyes of the audience. Note your initial reactions and questions. • How did you feel after reading it? • What message did you take away from the story? Remember, the best writing is invisible. If the piece is well-written, the ideas will suit the story so well that the message, not the language, will make an impression. DETERMINE THE DAMAGE: After the first read-through, determine the severity of the situation. Is this editing process going to be a walk in the park or is this story on life support and in need of a ton of attention? Are a few word choice corrections going to solve the problem, or do we need to go back to the drawing board and re-organize it entirely? Are small fixes enough or will it need a complete overhaul? Figure this out upfront so you can prepare accordingly. After reading through the story once and jotting notes about your initial reactions, it is time to establish the internal monologue. Read the piece again and have a conversation with it, as though the story is speaking and you are answering. • What questions does the story pose? • What parts are confusing/clear? • Am I reacting positively or negatively? Why? • What does this mean? • Why would he/she do this? • Why should anyone care about this? • Why is this important? • What are they really trying to say? • What/who is the source of the information? • Are the facts correct? • Are there multiple sources? • Does the story meet the staff’s guidelines and goals? Think of it as revision — revision literally means “seeing again.” This time through, try to see the story in as many different ways as possible. GET INQUISITIVE:

Yearbook Suite | Make Copy Shine By Editing 3