EditorWriter.org » Books

Thinking Like Your Editor

Joe Wallace — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:55:53 +0000

Any book that encourages writers to think more like editors is a good bet–this one gets strong reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Thinking Like Your Editor could make the difference for a new writer trying to land that first book proposal. This one’s not for magazine or blog writer/editors, it’s aimed squarely at the book writer.

So what’s this doing on EditorWriter? It’s our belief that any book explaining the editorial mindset is a valuable resource for people who want to make the leap from writer to editor or editor/writer. There’s a lot of initial self doubt that can come with your first journey towards editing someone else; it’s good to have a few references to help you understand what your colleagues in the industry are thinking when they get to work on other people’s writing.

And this book makes a good gift from a kindly editor to a new book writer…a gentle nudge in the right direction is never a bad thing.

Everyday Editing by Jeff Anderson

Joe Wallace — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:05:13 +0000

Jeff Anderson’s Everyday Editing is really aimed at teachers who want to create more effective writing workshops and educate students on how to self-edit, but this teaching perspective has a lot of value for the everyday writer.

Imagine how this book could change your perspective as a freelance writer editor or a newcomer to the world of editing. Got your eye on that editor slot? Are you still taking on reduced pay editing gigs or doing work for free? Scoop up a copy of this book and give yourself a leg up.

By learning editing and writing concepts from a teacher’s point of view, you’ll have an easier time getting your head around what future clients and employers expect from your work. Anderson’s book includes a lot of great ideas, especially on mechanics like proper verb choices, paragraphs, even how to use dialogue appropriately.

It goes without saying that any student of writing has the potential to become a teacher of the craft at some point in time. Want to mentor new writers? Everyday Editing by Jeff Anderson is a good tool to have on hand to prep for that mentoring.

Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies

Joe Wallace — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:41:56 +0000

I have long objected to the titles of the “For Dummies” title as fairly insulting. After all, isn’t purchasing one of these books a tacit admission? The tag line “A resource for the rest of us!” doesn’t soften the blow.

That said, if you want to get educated about copyediting and proofreading, Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies is definitely for you. Rave reviews abound for the For Dummies series in practically any topic, but this one is being called a copyediting bible, a lifesaver, confidence booster, you name it.

What’s the difference between proofreading and copyediting? Do you know how to develop your own system of checking a body of text with confidence, knowing that you didn’t overlook a stray comma or abused semi-colon?

That’s where this book comes in. If you’re fuzzy on publishing terms, copy editing symbols and other technical details, you won’t be after reading Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies.