Editing Tips: Confusables

Confusables are a common problem that editors find in texts. These are words that may sound (or almost sound) the same, but they are spelt differently and mean different things. They could be words like: Site/cite/sight, their/there/they’re, to/too/two, passed/past, effect/affect.

There are also confusing words that have meanings that are very close, but they need to be used with care. These words may have a similar root, but they do have different meanings. They can need careful thought: Disinterested/uninterested, ensure/assure, comprise/compose, infer/imply.

How to edit: Professional editing

Production is the process whereby your typescript (perhaps in a rather dishevelled state) is transformed into the finished product. It covers everything from editing, through design, to printing.

In a professional publishing environment, there is a fairly rigid process that the typescript goes through. At the start of this process, the text should be sent to a copy editor. In a publishing house, for journal or magazine publishing, this editor may have a different job title, but the work they do to prepare the text for typesetting is the same.

Professional Editing: Proofreading

This blog will take you through – step by step – how editors do their work, what they are looking for and why. The information given here is based on how professional editors are trained to work in publishing houses.

How does an editor show that there is a mistake?

To show that there is an error in the text the proofreader marks this on the text using proofreading symbols. To get an idea of the sorts of symbols that might appear, have a look at this:-

Editing services – What and why?

Even the most basic PC is loaded up with editing software: the spellcheck with its spelling and grammar checks, a thesaurus and even links to online dictionaries for translations. With all this material at your fingertips why do you need an editing service?

Some professional writers may feel their language skills are exemplary and they don't need someone else to check their work. When you have all this material at your fingertips you may wonder why you would need a professional editing service to check over your work.