Everyone needs an editor
By Linda Forrest
This is one of those posts that as I’m writing it, I am second guessing my usage of both punctuation and grammar since in this post, I’m hoping to highlight the fact that everyone needs an editor. I need not worry too much since this, like all materials we write here at inmedia, will pass through at least one editor.
Though we are self-professed “word nerds” here at inmedia, we are also human and, as we all know, to err is human. Still, there are a number of ways to mitigate our humanity when it comes to content production, first and foremost being the review of all materials by a colleague before it is sent to a client for review.
In addition to the multiple sets of eyes that will hopefully catch any punctuation or grammar errors before the piece leaves the shop, there are many online tools that can be useful in building one’s skills as a writer and affirming one’s choice of punctuation or grammar before it leaves the desktop.
Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com are useful when you need to confirm spelling or want to branch out from repetitive terminology in a news release or article.
GrammarGirl endeavours to do the impossible — make grammar hip — with her Quick and Dirty Tips.
Eats, Shoots and Leaves is the definitive humorous book on punctuation and a favourite of the inmedia team. (Editor’s note: Linda scored major points in her job interview a few years back when she said she had this little tome on her Christmas wish list!) Online punctuation guides can be found around the web, including this one. It should be noted that a cheeky Gawker post on the death of the semicolon inspired today’s post. May it rest in peace.
Carefully review your own writing before sending it on, and refer to these online resources when determining whether your piece requires a there, their or they’re. Save yourself, your agency and your client the embarrassment of your news release ending up the butt of a PR joke because you confused your its and your it’s, or worse. Don’t let your materials be part of the reported 60% of business writing that contains errors.
