Book Review: The Story of Be: A Verb’s-Eye View of the English Language by David Crystal

(Oxford University Press, 2017) By Christine Albert Some words are so familiar that it feels as though we instinctively know what they mean. And when we don’t, we use a dictionary to read its definition and determine how it can be placed alongside other words to form cohesive narratives. But how often do we think … Continue reading Book Review: The Story of Be: A Verb’s-Eye View of the English Language by David Crystal

Save your eyes! Tips to reduce computer-related eye strain

By Michelle Waitzman Working in front of a computer monitor all day, as most editors do, takes a toll on your eyes. Here are some tips on how to reduce the eye strain that can lead to fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, and loss of concentration. Beware of Glare Glare is caused by light reflecting off … Continue reading Save your eyes! Tips to reduce computer-related eye strain

The Nitpicker’s Nook: February edition

The Nitpicker’s Nook is a monthly collection of language-related articles, interviews, and blog posts. If you read something that would make a good addition, email your suggestion to [email protected]. By Carol Harrison Does the current state of world affairs leave you without words? Thankfully Planet Word, the soon-to-be museum of linguistics in Washington, DC, won’t … Continue reading The Nitpicker’s Nook: February edition

Is it art? Well, how does it feel?

By James Harbeck There has been much discussion of the Nobel Prize in Literature being awarded to Bob Dylan. I have no interest in weighing in on whether his work is Nobel quality—I won’t pretend to understand the judges’ criteria—but I do have some thoughts on the question of whether a songwriter is even eligible … Continue reading Is it art? Well, how does it feel?

Where you’ll find me at #Editors2016

By Jaclyn Law So many conference sessions, so few time slots! It’s impossible to be everywhere, so I chose topics that are right for my business and day-to-day work, right now. My picks (shared below) lean towards technology-related topics, but where are you going? “Editing Copy for the Mobile Web and App Development,” Christina Vasilevski … Continue reading Where you’ll find me at #Editors2016

Ask Aunt Elizabeth: How do I let my boyfriend know his manuscript sucks?

By Elizabeth d’Anjou Looking for advice on editing the editing life? Whether you’re a beginner looking for tips on starting out or an old hand looking for another perspective, veteran editor Aunt Elizabeth is ready to address your queries. Submit them to [email protected]—you may find the answers you are looking for in next month’s column. 1) … Continue reading Ask Aunt Elizabeth: How do I let my boyfriend know his manuscript sucks?

Web accessibility: An editor’s guide

By Ambrose Li Is web accessibility for people with disabilities the responsibility of just web designers, web developers, or accessibility consultants? Editors Toronto certainly disagrees, or it wouldn’t have organized a seminar on web accessibility standards last November. But what if you missed that seminar? Web accessibility in a nutshell Ontario’s web accessibility standard is … Continue reading Web accessibility: An editor’s guide

Editor for Life: Pietro Cammalleri, freelance editor

A career as an editor is often a solo adventure, especially if you’re a freelancer. So we thought one way to better connect with fellow editors was to ask them the W5: who, what, where, when, and why. Read on for some thought-provoking, enlightening tidbits from those of us who choose to work with words … Continue reading Editor for Life: Pietro Cammalleri, freelance editor