Table of Contents
Preface 1
Introduction 4
Chapter 1 Marks of Good Writing 8
Good Content 11
Focus 11
Precise Language 13
Good Grammar 17
Chapter 2 Editing for Content 22
Writing for the Reader 23
Plain Language 33
Marketability 35
The Right Structure and Length for Your Market 36
The Right Level of Detail for Your Market 37
The Right Material for Your Market 38
Chapter 3 Editing for Focus 40
Beginning With a Strong Opening 40
Sticking to One Subject 43
Closing the Circle 45
Chapter 4 Editing for Precise Language 46
The Right Words 47
The Right Voice 54
The Right Tense 56
Accuracy 58
Chapter 5 Editing for Grammar 82
Parts of Speech 82
Parts of Sentences 89
Punctuation 94
Style 106
Chapter 6 Typography 109
Breaking Words 109
Keeping Certain Words Together 110
Type and Layout 111
Chapter 7 A Few Tips 114
Misused Words 114
Homophones and Other Words That Get Mixed Up 117
Acronym Soup 120
Initially Redundant 124
More Steps to Better Writing 125
Chapter 8 Editorial Relationships 129
Working With Authors 130
Working With Publishers 132
Working With Artists 134
Working With Readers 134
Managing Expectations 135
Chapter 9 The Editor's Tools 137
Tools 137
Procedures 143
Resources 152
Chapter 10 Samples of Editing 157
Chapter 11 Ones That Got Away 176
Appendix: Questions and Answers 200
Oh, How We Trip Over Our Own English Language 211
Notes 213
Index 227