Chicago Style Workout 24: Commas with Quotations and Questions
This workout focuses on paragraphs 6.43–45 in CMOS 18. Advanced editors might tackle the questions cold; learners can study that section of the Manual before answering the questions.
Am I Too Old to Copyedit? 3 Questions for Those Who Wonder
How does a professional copyeditor know when it’s time to retire? Freelancers especially may be tempted to sail on past the age at which in-house editors are encouraged to put down the red pencil. But in either case, how long is too long? Here are some questions to consider.
Chicago Style Workout 23: Hyphens, Part 3b
This workout, the fourth (and last) on hyphenating compounds, centers on the second half of section 3, “Compounds Formed with Specific Terms,” in our extended hyphenation table under paragraph 7.96 in CMOS 18.
Can This Not Help But Be a Double Negative?
Double negatives come in many flavors in addition to the familiar “we didn’t find no money” type. Our friends at the website Language Log keep an archive of documented cases of “misnegation,” featuring popular head-scratchers like “I can’t help but not be X,” “I don’t doubt
Section 5.141 in the Spotlight
We all know that a singular noun subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb: My favorite is the giraffe. My favorites are nasturtiums and dahlias. And we usually aren’t thrown by a plural subject with a singular predicate:
Iva Cheung talks about plain language, accessibility, and cartooning
Iva Cheung is a Certified Professional Editor (Editors Canada), an indexer, a print designer, and a publishing consultant. She specializes in plain-language editing in health and is working on her PhD in mental health research. Many editors and writers are familiar with her cartoons about . . .
How Long Will My Copyright Last?
How long will your copyright last? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the year it was created, how many authors there were, and where it was published.
Three Social Media Habits for a Better World
For the purposes of this post, let’s presume that viral posts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms do have influence, and that the world would be better if people considered more carefully and more often the opposing point of view. If you agree, consider three sharing practices
Alexandra Peace talks about Editors Nova Scotia
CMOS: Many of our readers might not be familiar with Nova Scotia or Wolfville. Does your location in the furthest reaches of North America present any special challenges for freelance editors? Any advantages?
Chicago Style Workout 21: Word Usage, Part 4
This workout returns to the usage list under paragraph 5.254 in CMOS<.em> 18. Today we focus on words beginning with the letter h. Writing and editing are more efficient when you never have to look up harken or dither over hangar versus hanger.
