Saturday, December 11, 2010

Copy editing correction policy for my organization

For any respectable organization, copy editing is a must. Something as simple as having a copy editor on staff can help the legitimacy of a web site or a publication. This is the Age of Information, so in order for that information to be taken seriously it needs to be conveyed correctly. That's where copy editors come in, they are the vanguard. They make sure the copy is polished, therefore increasing the respectability of the organization. Nobody can respect a place that can't get their grammar in order. The best copy editors are the ones that follow strict rules for themselves. These policies will insure quality.

-Before posting copy, always go over it carefully:
If a person doesn't slack off in the editing stage, they will less likely have to go back and edit later. Take the time and go over everything. If there is any doubt about something, look it up. Trust the copy editing instinct. This goes beyond grammar and into fact checking. While grammar is embracing, it doesn't get you sued as much as basic fact checking.

-If mistakes are found, change them:
With the Internet it's easier than ever to change a mistake on the fly. Something as simple as differentiating between then/than can be corrected and nobody will be the wiser.

-Unless they are important mistakes:
The previous rule pertains to simple grammar and spelling mistakes. When it comes to more important mistakes such as names and facts, never straight up change it. The best way to correct the error and retain credibility is to let it remain and stick a note in the copy. The copy can be placed in the beginning, ending, or right after the mistake. No matter where it is placed, it is important to acknowledge whatever is wrong and correct it. The faster the better. The original mistake should stay though. If this bothers a person, they should use that frustration to not make any more mistakes.

-Have an in-house stylebook:
For all the little questions, having a standardized stylebook is handy. Even if it's just adapting the "AP Stylebook," there needs to be uniformity in the copy. Decisions on abbreviations, spellings and punctuation must not fluctuate. There needs to be a resource for any writers with questions so that they may easily turn to it. Also specifying which dictionary to use is important.

Writers are human, they are bound to make mistakes. Therefore copy editors are this safeguard. With the right rules in place an organization can stay legitimate with their writing and not look like amateurs.

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