JRNL 53: Class III Prof. Vaccaro Feb. 13, 2018

Copy Editing vs. Proofreading Copy editing is not proofreading Copy editors known everything about something or something about everything Proofreaders just check over someone’s work and glance for errors There is an art to copy editing, a specific style, as you’ve heard Copy editors help improve and polish writing, devise creative headlines, write photo captions and lay out pages (sometimes)

Tips for Checking Page Proofs Use appropriate symbols in the page margins Ensure body text on proof is large enough to read easily Avoid the impulse to read with eye toward improving writing Double-check every headline and other display type elements on page

Tips for Checking Page Proofs Look carefully at the date and page number Make sure section-front stories that continue to inside pages have a jump line telling readers where to find the rest of the story Check that each story fits its space – not too long or short

VIDEO: Ted Talks – Mary Norris CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO! New Yorker Copy Editor talks about the job

Checking Facts The most frequent errors in news stories are in names, dates, locations, and descriptions of past events When copy editors question facts in a story, four courses of action are open to them: 1. If the question can be answered by a reference source, the verification or correction can be made rather easily, provided the copy editor is facile at using reference materials 2. If the writer is readily available, the question can be referred to that person 3. If it is a question of company policy, taste or consistency, copy editors should know the policy, but if they have doubts, they must consult the chief copy editor of a managing editor 4. If the fact is not vital and cannot be checked before deadline, it can be deleted from the story. Of course, this is the last resort. If a fact is essential, then hold the story.

Checking Facts: Reporter Checklist

Checking Facts: Assignment Editor Checklist

Checking Facts: Copy Editor Checklist

Checking Facts: Photo Editor Checklist

Checking Facts: Artist Checklist

Checking Facts: Photographer Checklist

Redundant Phrases CLICK TO REVIEW!

Frequently Misused Words CLICK TO REVIEW!

AP Style Tips: Titles CLICK TO REVIEW!

AP Style Tips: Temperature Temperatures get higher or lower, not warmer or cooler. So, “Temperatures are expected to rise in the area Friday,” not “Temperatures are expected to warm up in the area Friday.” Don’t use an apostrophe when referring to a range of temperatures: “Highs are expected to be in the 90s,” not “90’s.” All temperature figures except zero should be written as numerals: “Temperatures fell 5 degrees,” not “five degrees.” When it’s clear the temperature you’re writing about is on the Fahrenheit scale, such as outdoor temperatures in the U.S., there’s no need to say “degrees Fahrenheit” or “98 F.”

Next Class REMINDER: No class on Feb. 20 We’re in class again Feb. 27 March 6: Trivia Night team needed! Read, read, read more newspapers and magazines