The Latin American Section of the WAC Clearinghouse’s International Exchanges on the Study of Writing book series is looking for two associate editors to collaborate with the section editors in organizing review processes, book launch events, and other activities for the section. This position offers the opportunity to participate in an exciting and supportive network of scholars committed to promoting transnational equity and high-quality scholarship in writing studies across borders. Learn more
The International Exchanges Book Series Seeks Co-editor
The International Exchanges book series seeks applications for a co-editor who will join the current co-editors to assume shared responsibility for editorial oversight and management of all stages related to the production and publication (in both print and online formats) of current and future books in the series. The incoming co-editor will be mentored by a veteran co-editor for one year. Learn more
Finding a Freelance Editor You Click With
by Hannah de Keijzer
Thousands of freelance editors are poised to work on your manuscript. But whether or not the editorial process elevates your book and enlivens you as a writer hinges in large part on the person you pick. You need someone who can deliver edits to professional standards, of course, on time and within your budget.
But you also deserve to work with a communicative editor whose method fits your brain and preferred ways of working. Look for someone who gives you confidence in yourself and in your manuscript as it develops. That’s a matter of process and feelings fit as much as one of professional skill.
Engaging Our Inner Critics
By Michelle Rivera-Clonch, PhD
We often hear about the hazards of an Unskilled Inner Critic and, like most things, there’s more to the story. Our Skilled Inner Critic, when called upon, promotes a writing flow that encourages us to be calm, cool, connected and creative. We have access to both Critics—it’s about the intensity and frequency that we rely upon each one to help us complete the writing project.
Getting the Most Out of the Editorial Experience
By Hannah de Keijzer
Having your manuscript edited is a chance to clarify your ideas, develop your writing craft, and make your book the very best it can be. Here are tips and prompts to help you take full advantage of this opportunity.
Your manuscript can go through several kinds of editing as it progresses from idea to publication:
- developmental/substantive editing for structure and argument;
- line editing for voice, clarity, and flow; copyediting for consistency and correctness; and
- proofreading for that final cleanup of lingering errors.
Not all publishers offer editorial support at every stage.
A Copyeditor’s Suggestions for Tightening Up Your Prose
By Laura Poole
I’ve been copyediting scholarly nonfiction for many years now, and I have some gentle suggestions to academic writers who would like to tighten up their prose.
These are all suggestions at the phrase level, not the sentence level, to reduce wordiness, impose active voice, and improve flow. There are NOT hard-and-fast rules and should not be done as a knee-jerk reflex. There are times when these suggested edits won’t work or will change the meaning of the phrase; in these cases, don’t do them!