It seems a topic only too appropriate for today: I ran across scare quotes today in a page proof. They were used inconsistently, so I dug into my trusty Chicago manual to see the scoop and what rules might apply. As usual, I never open that book without learning something. "Scare quotes," according to CMOS 17 … Continue reading Scary “Scare Quotes”
Category: Writing and Editing
This is where I share things I learn “on the job”, as I read, write, edit, and work with other editors, writers, and clients.
Serious Serial Comma Silliness
I am a fan of the Oxford comma (also called the series or serial comma): parsley, sage, rosemary[,?] and thyme. Or at least I thought I was. Recent conversations and reading have led me to think again about where I place my comma allegiances, and why. My go-to example in favour of the series comma … Continue reading Serious Serial Comma Silliness
Nit-picking Numbers
How a day spent grappling with "2" and "two" taught me something about numbers, numerals, and life Sometimes I appreciate the technical side of editing. I don't mean editing technical documents, necessarily - I mean the technical aspects of grammar and style that give me the illusion that I can tell right from wrong. As my … Continue reading Nit-picking Numbers
Comma Confusion: To Include or Not to Include?
Recently, in reviewing an academic article, I came across the following sentence in the notes to a table: "Industry and year-specific intercepts are not included for brevity." At first glance, the meaning might seem obvious, but let's look again. Are you including the intercepts or not? Because this could mean two things: that the intercepts … Continue reading Comma Confusion: To Include or Not to Include?
The Benefits of a Writing Coach
Are you a graduate student in the health or life sciences? Do you know what you want to say but find you have a hard time putting it into words? Does your supervisor or graduate committee express frustration over your apparent lack of writing skills? Are you certain that your scientific logic is sound but … Continue reading The Benefits of a Writing Coach
Perspective
This evening I attended the Manitoba Editors' Association workshop entitled "Get to the Point", where the organizer Adrianne W. led us through a fun and informative series of exercises in concise writing. The first exercise took me into familiar territory: writing concise business communication. Adrianne shared the Top 10 Tips for editing business writing, and … Continue reading Perspective
The Plurality of Pluralization
I found out today that Editors Canada members now receive an online subscription to the Chicago Manual of Style. Bonus! ... even if I just bought my own copy of the 17th edition, um, last week. Ah well. It's good to have options, and I am indeed grateful for the benefits of membership I am … Continue reading The Plurality of Pluralization