What’s on my metaphorical desk?
And why is my desk metaphorical?
As a freelance editor, I don’t really have a desk per se. Oh yes, I have places where I set my laptop
down to work, but this could be anywhere: my lap, a café table, a park bench, my kitchen counter, or
really wherever there is a flat-like surface. Nonetheless, I still need to have resources that I regularly
consult. My flexibility does not extend its flippancy to my consideration of English grammar or style!
Google is probably my most important tool of the trade. Does this
word have a hyphen? What does this phrase even mean? How will I
find all of these answers? Google! Using Google, I can access
resources on the internet I never knew existed.
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is another must-have. As someone
who freelances for publishing companies, I can’t possibly memorize
every style sheet in existence! Since many publishing companies
adhere to the rules of CMS, it’s always a safe and informative bet
when it comes to a question of grammar or style.
Dictionary.com may seem like a rather colloquial choice, but because
it draws from several dictionaries, I find it helpful and efficient in a
pinch. I also use Dictionary.com’s cousin, Thesaurus.com.
I find that when it comes to questions about commonly misused
words, sometimes it’s best to go to a reputable source. Although
Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage may seem a little stiff, it
actually has a rather flexible view on the English language (you know,
the idea that our language should actually EVOLVE with us. Heaven
forbid). This book is also on Google Books in its entirety, which is
great when I’m working on the go.
What’s this? Another style guide? As an editor and writer of fiction, I
find it important to know how to deal with style as it pertains to
fiction writing. How do I format dialogue again? This book, unlike
many others, tells me! The Creative Writer’s Style Guide by Christopher
T. Leland really helps me to think from the point of view of the
writer—an invaluable asset for any editor.
What’s on my metaphorical desk?
And why is my desk metaphorical?
The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn is a bit like my personal
editing bible. I don’t always use it, but it’s always there on my desk.
This handbook helped me to learn some of the basic rules about
editing, and I always turn to it when I have a question about some of
those pesky comma rules I can never remember. And even if I’m on
the go, this handbook is available through Google Books, so I can
always make sure I’ve done my job to its fullest.
Although Grammar Girl tends to be more of a prescriptivist than I
am, I still find her matter-of-fact advice to help me better understand
a confusing grammar or style rule. I also really like the way she warns
the reader about grammar pundits who might be lurking around the
Internet or bookstore. Although I don’t always heed these warnings,
they really help to put my editorial decisions into a greater context. I
like to keep in mind that my clients might not have the same
bravery—or obstinacy—that I do, so I have to be considerate about
what advise I give.