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”.

The site is aimed at copyeditors, but anyone involved in freelance editing or freelance writing should have a look. There is so much valuable information on the mechanics of writing and editing that I’m shocked The Slot’s Bill Walsh hasn’t written a book with this stuff.

Oh, wait–he did. Walsh is the author of Lapsing Into A Comma, and The Elephants of Style, which includes some evolutionary thoughts on writing and editing that FINALLY seem to be creeping into the mainstream. Have a look at Walsh’s site to learn more about striking a balance between  “Once wrong, always wrong” (which I used to believe in exclusively until I took off the necktie and got a life) and “Everybody does it.”

Don’t miss TheSlot.com, especially if you are new to the editor/writer game. Especially great–the recent post titled “A Common Mistake”. Priceless.