What to Do with an Edited PDF

So you got the changes back from the author and editor, now what do you do with the marked-up PDF? In this lightning-speed tip session you’ll see how to use the built-in tools of Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader DC to find each and every change that was marked, and use a simple trick for quality…

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How to Steer Writers Back on Topic

Since you can’t say “Seriously, $266 an hour” when a client gets off topic: advice for keeping writers on task, today, in my How To column at Copyediting.com.

Testing for Visual Accessibility

Can you see that? It seems that designs are getting lower contrast, smaller font, and generally harder to read. It’s not just you and me, the majority of the population is experiencing deteriorating eyesight (as the baby boomers age). Today, in my How To column at Copyediting.com, I share tips for testing your products (documents, etc.) for…

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How to Get the Right Images from Artists

How word people can communicate with visual people to reduce costs and aggravation and get better results — in my latest How To column at Copyediting.com.

Links of Q3, 2015

It has been 26 weeks since my last “link of the week” roundup. A concussion can have that effect on your life. Starting to feel more like myself and that means more things to share. There is quite a variety in this roundup. //storify.com/sciEditor/lotw/embed?border=false//storify.com/sciEditor/lotw.js?border=false[View the story “LOTW — 46, 2015” on Storify] Illustrated glossary of…

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How to Cushion Author Queries

Professional writers develop a thick skin; they learn not to take suggestions or criticisms as attacks on their self-worth. Today, in my How To column at Copyediting.com, I offer tips for using a feather touch with your writers.

Verify to Hone Your Editorial Sixth Sense

Every time you check content, you develop your editorial sixth sense. In my How To column at Copyediting.com today, I give four ways to verify information in the editing before you, 

Copyeditors’ Sixth Sense — Build it Now

Get a life. Your ‘editorial sense’ depends on it.   Those “editorial senses” can lead to unbelievable “saves,” but can you hone them or are you just born with them? Start building your editorial sixth sense with this first set of tips today, in my How To column at Copyediting.com. More tips to come.   Can that…

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How to Tell a Proofread from a Copyedit

When your magic eight-ball isn’t handy, follow these steps to figure out what is wanted when you’re asked to “look this over”: proofread, copyedit, line edit, or something more substantive. Today, in my How To column at Copyediting.com.