New editors are rightfully hyper-vigilant about issues like apostrophe abuse and passive voice, but if you’re trying to learn the rules some of this stuff can be a real wilderness. Is it ALWAYS bad to use passive voice? Not according to this resource from the University of North Carolina.

What about the proper use of semicolons? WritingHood.com has four tips to help you remember what you learned so long ago.

And then there’s the flagrant abuse of the apostrophe, which has aggravated at least one person so much they dedicated an entire website to it.

ParagraphPunch is another site dedicated to a single idea, but this one’s for pay. Alas, some who need it are too stingy to shell out…but it’s there should you need a bit of schooling.

And finally, show your writers this Self Editing Success article by Carole Moore if you really need to send a message. With a little luck the writer will take a hint…but this is also good for keeping oneself honest when you lack decent input from a more experienced writer or editor.

Question:
 

Who said, “I am not the editor of a newspaper and shall always try to do right and good so that God will not make me one”?
 
Answer: Mark Twain

When you put out your very first call for writers as a new editor, one thing you should do once the articles are all assigned and the search is over? Hang on to the suitable resumes and refer back to them when you need to hire a new freelance writer.

Those who have already performed their first hunt for freelancers know why that is. If you’ve never hunted for a decent freelance writer, you couldn’t possibly be prepared for the onslaught of inappropriate responses to your “writer wanted” ad, but trust us when we say you’ll get about 90% unusable responses.

NewOf those ten percent, the ones you actually want to work with will make up probably five percent or less. That’s why you want to hang on to the GOOD responses–who wants to deal with that other 90% again if they don’t have to?

As a writer it can often help to get another pair of eyes on something that you are working on, but this can also be true if you are an editor. Sometimes you will have copy that you are struggling with, or personal issues will be competing for your attention, making it hard to focus. In these cases, you may want to ask a fellow editor to give you a bit of feedback. Teaming up with another editor can be a good idea. Having someone else to bounce ideas off of and trade opinions with can help keep you on your toes.

by Joe Wallace

What should a new editor expect from those early editing jobs? Whether you’re freelance or full time, chances are you’ll perform in a mixed capacity, writing some material and editing some. The days of  “pure” editing work and the duties associated with it are slipping away, but more experienced editors can still find gigs where they handle editing chores almost exclusively when it comes to periodicals and online publications. Book publishing is another animal altogether.

That said, I see a small number of job ads listed by companies looking for “editors” or other creatives who list “admin duties” as part of the job description. I strongly urge aspiring editors to avoid such jobs (or at least investigate them closely) as they’re often listed by people who don’t understand what an editor or writer does, or (more likely) they really want an office admin type who can double as a writer when the boss has a whim. Don’t let the job poster take advantage of the fact that you really want an editing job.

by Joe Wallace

With the caveat that we haven’t consumed the 9th edition of this book yet, the promise of The Art of Editing in the Age of Media Convergence is quite impressive. Over 400 pages of updated material on editing, with a look at the challenges editors face across disciplines including new media, journalism, advertising, and so much more… a comprehensive take on a variety of industries and the kinds of editing work you face in each one.

Need to anticipate the kinds of stories and editing corrections you face in online journalism, broadcast television or medical writing? The Art of Editing in the Age of Media Convergence could be the best investment you make as a new editor depending on your skill level and expertise. Want to pick an editing career path and make an informed choice? Try doing some of your research in these pages.

One new addition to this edition includes a discussion on the rise of citizen journalism and how to manage those editing challenges. Nobody could ever accuse this book of lagging behind the times. Of course, The Art of Editing is NOT cheap, but if you need the wisdom contained within, it’s an excellent investment and don’t forget that it can be used as a potential tax write-off (for professional books and materials) where appropriate. Is this required reading? We’ll get back to you on that, but signs definitely point to “yes”.