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-   -   could you edit a book? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/could-you-edit-book-t290381.html)

ptquilts 08-12-2017 05:41 AM

I could easily do copy editing as I see mistakes in books from prominent publishers and wonder why no one caught them. Like site for sight, or one I just read where THREE TIMES the author referred to barium as what you drink to clean you out before a colonoscopy.

Stitchnripper 08-12-2017 12:40 PM

I think so. For many years my job included interpreting federal policy and translating it into procedures the local workers could use. There was a lot of writing, editing, etc. and I did enjoy it. I always think that way now - what would make this less confusing, say it better, etc. Of course fiction would be different!!

Elise1 08-12-2017 12:46 PM

https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfur...een_that_hard/

:D The editor of this children's book is clearly not up to the job, LOL! :D

Prism99 08-12-2017 01:56 PM

That is hilarious!!!

JustAbitCrazy 08-13-2017 02:30 AM

Wow. That's hard to believe. If I had hired that editor, I'd have asked for my money back.

Innov8R 08-13-2017 06:26 AM

I spent several years writing for the Kansas City Star and several more editing contracts for a healthcare company. By far, the most enjoyable job (also lowest paying) was working on a grammar hotline while I taught at a community college. As quilters, we are detail-minded. I bet more of you could edit a book than you think. It is the same skill set: attentiveness, patience, willingness to reconstruct errors, and lifelong learning.

quilt9226 08-13-2017 11:01 AM

I could do it although it would not be my favorite thing. I was in the law biz (legal assistant) and so read everything the lawyers wrote, especially when we went digital (Spellcheck is not your friend). My local newspaper must have done away with editors. The grammatical errors and misspellings are rampant. The blame cannot be placed on the typesetter since everything is now digital.

caspharm 08-13-2017 02:39 PM

I could edit a book. I used to write manuals for my department. Since I was writing them, I decided to pursue a technical writing certificate. I have always liked grammar. I'm with quilt9226 in noticing that it appears most "literary" sources have done away with editors. Not just newspapers, but online content and books. I used to find errors in self-published books, but now I see them in mainstream books as well. It is annoying.

I found out a long time ago that Spellcheck is not your friend, since it only checks spelling and not grammar. Therefore, it will allow the wrong word to be used just because it is spelled correctly (their vs there). Spellcheck doesn't check grammatical correctness either. As it is named, it only checks spelling.

cathyvv 08-13-2017 03:13 PM

I used to write requirements for business systems. It involved writing my own requirements and critiqued others. My door was darkened many time by those wanting my editing skills. Now retired, I am called on to edit resumes fairly frequently. Lucky I like to do that.

cathyvv 08-13-2017 03:19 PM

I used to write requirements for business systems. It involved writing my own requirements and critiqued others. My door was darkened many time by those wanting my editing skills. Now retired, I am called on to edit resumes fairly frequently. Lucky I like to do that.


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