CONVENTIONS

Almost anything a copy editor would deal with comes under the heading of conventions. This includes spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage, capitalization, and paragraph indentation. It does not include such things as handwriting or neatness. Though appearance is important, it is not the same thing as correctness, so it is important not to assess them together. In a strong paper, the conventions are handled so skillfully, the reader doesn’t really need to think of them-any more than you normally think to look for spelling errors in a textbook or newspaper. (You might find some if you look carefully, of course, but they’re rare.)

Just Beginning

My editing is not under control yet. You might need to read once to decode, then again to focus on meaning.

Speling errer our commun, evin on simple werdz.

I sometimes, used, “punctuation,” where it, wasn’t needed and in other place’s I forgot to put it in

Or I used the wrong punctuation??

I’ve got capiTAl lETTERs scattered around, or else I forgot to use them at all.

I haven’t got the hang of paragraphs yet. When do you indent again? After each sentence? Each page?

The truth is, I haven’t spent much time editing this paper.

On My Way-Ready For Serious Editing

I took a look. I made corrections. But some bothersome mistakes still need cleaning up before I’m ready to publish.

You won’t find BIG GLARING errors-the kind that make it hard to understand what I mean. Little hard-to-spot errors, though? Yes, you’ll find sum-uh, make that some.

Spelling is correct on most simple words. I may have small errors on harder words. Is it broccoli or broccoli??

Sentences and most proper nouns begin with capitals.

I used paragraphs. Do they ALL begin in the right spots? I need to check.

Minor problems with grammar or usage could make a careful reader pause now and then. Subjects and verbs agree, but I’m not always sure about who and whom or me, I and myself. And what about there, their and they’re? Two, too and to?

My paper is readable, but it’s a draft shy of “ready” when it comes to editing.

That’s It! Edited, Polished, Correct. Beautiful!

There are so few errors in this paper, you’ll have to hunt for them!

It would be a snap to get this ready to publish.

I have used capitals correctly.

My spelling is accurate; I have checked words I did not know.

Paragraph indentations clearly show where discussion of a new topic begins.

Punctuation is used correctly, making each sentence easy to read and interpret.

Grammar and usage are correct and consistent.

My conventions are as formal as they need to be, given the purpose and audience for this writing.

Quick Check for Editing:

__ I waited at least two days, then read my paper slowly word for word to check

for errors.

__ I read this paper both silently and aloud so I could listen AND look for errors.

__ I used editing tools: dictionary, handbook, spell checker on the computer, etc.

__ I got editing help (from a teacher, parent or friend) if I needed it.

__ I checked from the bottom up for spelling errors (so I couldn’t read too fast

and miss some).

Permission is granted by Northwest Regional Education Laboratory for reproduction by schools for classroom use only

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