What Kind of Editing Do I Need?
“Can you edit this?” It’s arguably one of the vaguest requests heard in the world of editing and publishing. That’s because there are multiple types of editing, and they often mean something very different to each party in the editing relationship – the writer and the editor. A basic Internet search of “types of editing” can send you into a flurry of...
October 29, 2021 READ MORE
The Writers Behind Your Fortune Cookie Aphorism
It may come as a surprise to you that fortune cookies are not actually a Chinese invention. While their true origins are widely debated, it is a common belief that the first fortune cookies appeared in California sometime in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The real question is, though, who is behind the messages on those tiny pieces of paper hidden inside of the cook...
October 9, 2020 READ MORE
Five Common Web Writing Mistakes to Avoid
Web copy can be tricky to master: It has to sell, but it can’t feel too salesy. It has to be packed with useful, relevant information, but it needs to be succinct and easy to scan. It has to differentiate your company, product, or service -- but at the same time, it can’t feel like it’s “all about you.” We’ve found that there are a few common web writing mis...
March 8, 2019 READ MORE
“Poring” vs. “Pouring”: What’s the Difference?
This question came up during a round of in-house editing this week, so – of course –I wanted to share: Complete this sentence: I spent hours _______ over the pages of the magazine. A.) poring B.) pouring The correct answer is A, “poring.” “Pore” means to study or read something with great care. You’d pore over a ...
September 6, 2010 READ MORE
AP: Goodbye “Web site;” Hello “Website”
Good news for all word nerds: The Associated Press has finally made the switch from the old-fashioned "Web site" to the simpler, more natural-looking "website." Yay! To me, "Web site" has always seemed a little stuffy and English teacher-ish. Good for AP to know when it’s time to change things up. According to the AP’s Web site – er, website – the change will be i...
April 29, 2010 READ MORE