Professional Editorial Standards

Hello, friends! Thank you for supporting Professional Editorial Standards (PES). Changes are on the way for us. We're winding down this X account. Please follow @EditorsCanada for content about the latest PES edition (free download: editors.ca/publications/p…) and for updates. 📚❤️

Understanding #French idioms is an indication that you have a good command of the language. Take our #JeuDuSamedi, and fill in the blank with the correct French expression! ow.ly/xOsc50U6YnC (in French only)

To everyone writing @EditorsCanada's copy-editing and/or stylistic-editing certification exams tomorrow, we wish you all the best! Next November, the proofreading and structural exams will be offered. It's never too soon to start studying! editors.ca/professional-d…

c. Use only the same words for the same meaning, and different words for different meanings. d. Use language that is culturally relevant for the readers. e. Address ambiguity.

C6.1 When applying plain language principles in stylistic editing, do the following: a. As much as possible, use the intended readers’ vocabulary. b. Prefer concrete terms to abstract terms (e.g., "frog" instead of "amphibian").

C5.4 Check that the mechanics of the writing match the content (e.g., a calm description of recumbent sheep in a field can be written in long sentences and paragraphs, but an exciting fight scene should move quickly by using short sentences and paragraphs and common words).

'Didactic' means "designed to teach people something," but is often used derisively. 'Pedantic' generally refers to someone who is annoying for their attention to minor details. ‘Didactic’ can be neutral. ‘Pedantic’ is usually an insult. We hope you find this post didactic.

VIDEO: When writers see editors as members of their team it's a game changer. Having an editor on your bench can help create the best final product. Get this tip and more from @EditorMerel in our Meet an Editor series: youtu.be/9U9ekQW84B0

C5.3 Check that the mood of the writing matches the mood of the content (e.g., a funeral scene shouldn’t usually be written flippantly).

Be aware of the cultural differences that can make it difficult to target this kind of editing for specific audiences.

C5.2. Check that the text achieves the intended effect on the audience (e.g., try to ensure that the humour is funny, the erotica is arousing, the frightening passages are spine-chilling).

Editing narratives requires a specific approach to stylistic editing, but the following Standards apply to almost any type of fiction or nonfiction narrative. C5.1 Help make the text more engaging and entertaining, and ensure there are no boring passages.

Do you love French books? Will you be in Newfoundland and Labrador between November 21 and 24? Check out the French literary festival and enjoy a #book fair, literary performances, art exhibitions and more! #FRcan @francotnl ow.ly/OVBj50U6YaA (in French only)

We are super excited to announce we are hiring an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Publishing! sfu.ca/publishing/new…

While some neurodiverse editors encounter barriers at work, neurodiversity also brings assets to the workplace. Sign up for our Dec. 4 webinar on strategies/strengths for neurodiverse editors, led by Rhonda Kronyk, who draws on her experience with ADHD: webinars.editors.ca/upcoming_webin…

C4.2 Understand the author’s intentions when editing language so that it does not inadvertently offend intended readers. Consider whether the language might be harmful to unintended audiences that it will likely reach.

Ah yes, this takes me back to grade 10 math class. #CanadianEnglishDictionary

C3.3 Improve language (e.g., eliminate clichés, replace negative constructions with affirmative ones). C4.1 Where appropriate, point out words and phrasing that can be considered harmful, either intentionally or unintentionally, and suggest alternatives.

C3.2 Eliminate wordiness (e.g., by deleting redundancies, empty phrases, unnecessary modifiers) in the interest of clarity.

C3.1 Ensure that the voice, style, point of view, tone and register are presented consistently and in keeping with the content and the author’s goals and intentions.