Editing 101 Critique Feedback and the Editing Process

Editing 101: Critique, Feedback, and the Editing Process

Editing 101: The Editing Process Topics we will cover 1. The role of an editor 2. Inductive questions 3. Editing priorities and process 4. Local issues and grammar - knowing your limits 5. Where to go if you don’t know 6. Will they, won’t they? Authors’ choices

What is an editor? An editor is a person who helps an author convey their thoughts as clearly as possible to an audience. An editor is not: v. The author’s writing/academic mom v. The author’s teacher v. The author’s therapist v. The author of the piece It might help to think of the editor as a liaison between an author and an audience. • What does the audience need in order for them to best understand the author’s ideas? • What does the author need to do to make their writing most closely match their thoughts?

Being a Good Editor v. A good editor is an honest one, not a harsh one. v. Editors are not gatekeepers into the academic/publishing world. v. Above all else, editors must be respectful. v. Your author will not be willing to take on your suggestions if they feel attacked. v. When you edit, it is important to note what authors are doing well in addition to what they need to work on. Put yourself in the shoes of your author. If you would not want to hear what you want to write, rephrase it or ask for help. If you feel that a suggestion would require more than a reasonable amount of rewriting for an author, consider how necessary it is to the overall piece. Perhaps a compromise can be reached.

What are inductive questions? v. Inductive questions are questions which require the person(s) asked to provide more information than a ‘yes’ or a ‘no. ’ v. These questions tend to start with the following words: Who What When Where Why How v. When you ask a question of an author, it helps to start with an observation. Example: I noticed that your shoes are red, why did you choose to wear red shoes today? Inductive questions are the best to use in the editing process because they ask the author to reflect on their work. These questions often show authors how closely what they have written aligns with what they intended to say. When there is a discrepancy between what authors have written and what they meant, it is a sign that editing must occur.

Practice! Take the short paragraph below and generate some inductive questions which might improve its clarity. Sidney Mintz, in his monograph, argues that sugar consumption is tied to ideas of imperialism and power over non-European bodies. Honestly, he’s kind of obsessed with it and even spent time learning how to make sugar in Jamaica. He looks at how the development of capitalism was tied to the sugar industry. He looks at how British people started drinking sugar with their tea. And how sugar was eaten before that in confections. Mr. Mintz is especially interested in sugar production from 1650 onwards.

Editing Priorities and Processes Global Issues Local Issues v. In order not to overwhelm our authors, we are asking you to use this approach in conjunction with inductive questioning. v. When you read the paper for this first round, you are on the lookout for strengths and weaknesses in Global Issues. v. Local issues may be addressed only if they are interfering with your understanding of the text. Global Issues: Thesis/Argument Evidence Analysis Structure Clarity Logic Flow/Transitions Local Issues: Grammar Syntax Spelling Typos Formatting

Global Issues The following are good questions to ask to address global issues: v. How does this relate to your argument? v. What is the relationship between this information/statement and the ones around it? v. Why did you choose to use this structure? v. I think this is saying _______ , is that what you meant? If yes/no, can you make that clearer? v. Why did you choose this example? / Another example would be really helpful here. v. Can you provide some more information/analysis here please? Global Issues: Thesis/Argument Evidence Analysis Structure Clarity Logic Flow/Transitions

Local Issues – knowing your limits These edits will take place mostly in Semester 2, however some cursory editing can occur in Semester 1. In general: v. If the grammar is interfering with your ability to understand what is being said, it should be addressed. If not, it can wait until Semester 2. v. If the mistake occurs once, it is probably a typo and you can just correct it. * v. If a mistake occurs repeatedly, make a note of it in the margin/track changes. You are not Microsoft word, it is not your responsibility to shift every comma. *If you do not know the grammatical rule for something, do not attempt to correct it. Local Issues: Grammar Syntax Spelling Typos Formatting

Where to go if you don’t know If you don’t know a rule about: grammar, citation, formatting, historical theory, how to phrase a question, whethere might be an issue of plagiarism, etc. you have some options. v. Option 1: Use the internet. Purdue Owl: https: //owl. english. purdue. edu/owl/ CARP: https: //carp. sfsu. edu/content/helpful-handouts v Option 2: Consult a style guide Chicago Manual of Style: https: //www. chicagomanualofstyle. org/tools_citationguide /citation-guide-1. html v Option 3: Ask a fellow editor v Option 4: Ask a managing editor If you don’t know information for a global issue, you should ask the author directly in the margins. If you suspect plagiarism, speak to the managing editors ASAP. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this journal. The managing editors will have this discussion with the author in question.

Will they, won’t they? At the end of the day, authors are the ones who own their work. They choose which comments and suggestions they accept and incorporate into the work. However, they must make these choices within reason. This becomes a greater concern in Semester 2. v. Authors’ decisions must not compromise the quality of the journal. v. Do not wage war with an author if they refuse to accept your critique unless it jeopardizes the journal’s standards. v. If things start to become tense, speak with a managing editor; we can arrange to help mediate these situations, should they arise.

Practice! In groups of 2 -3, complete the worksheet given to you by the managing editors. Be prepared to participate in discussion!