Editing Terminology

noun a pencil with a blue colored core

• She used a blue pencil to mark the corrections on the manuscript.
• Can you pass me that blue pencil so I can doodle on this paper?
• I always keep a blue pencil handy for when I need to jot down quick notes.
• The editor's sharp eye was like a blue pencil, catching every mistake in the text.

verb to remove or change parts of a text considered vulgar or offensive

• The editor decided to bowdlerize the classic novel before publishing it.
• I don't like when they bowdlerize movies for TV.
• They always bowdlerize the good parts in the TV version.
• She felt like her true self was being bowdlerized by society's expectations.

noun a person who reads and corrects proofs or manuscripts

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The copyreader meticulously proofread the manuscript before it went to print.
• The copyreader double-checked the article for any errors.
• The copyreader is the ultimate grammar guru.
• The copyreader's eagle eye caught every typo in the document.

noun a written mark or symbol made to indicate that something is to be deleted or ignored

verb to draw a line through something to show that it is wrong or should be ignored

• Please remember to cross out any errors on the document before submitting it.
• Don't forget to cross out any mistakes on the paper before handing it in.
• Make sure to cross out any typos on the form before turning it in.
• Sometimes we need to cross out negative thoughts in our minds to move forward.

noun a change or correction made to a document or text

verb to prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting

• Please make sure to carefully edit your research paper before submitting it for publication.
• Hey, don't forget to edit your essay before turning it in.
• Dude, you seriously need to edit that Instagram post before you share it.
• Life is like a rough draft - we must constantly edit and revise to make it better.

noun A person who is in charge of and determines the final content of a publication or project

• The editor reviewed the manuscript for any grammatical errors.
• I'll send the article to the editor to get feedback.
• The editor totally ripped apart my first draft.
• As the editor of my own life, I have the power to make changes and revisions.

verb to make corrections or improvements to a text

• The editor suggested several emendations to improve the clarity of the manuscript.
• I need to emend my essay before turning it in.
• I'll need to emend my resume before sending it out to potential employers.
• He tried to emend his past mistakes by making amends with those he had wronged.

adjective causing slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety

• The niggling issue with the contract needs to be addressed before we can proceed.
• I have this niggling feeling that I forgot something important.
• Stop niggling me about the plans, I'll get to it when I can.
• The niggling doubt in the back of her mind kept her from fully enjoying the party.

verb to express in a different way, usually to clarify or simplify

• It is important to reword the legal document to ensure accuracy.
• Can you reword this paragraph for me so it's easier to understand?
• I need to reword this text to make it sound less boring.
• She had to reword her feelings in order to spare his feelings.

noun a correction to a printed text

• The company issued a corrigendum to rectify the errors in the previous report.
• Hey, did you see the corrigendum they sent out about the meeting time change?
• I heard there was a corrigendum about the dress code for the party.
• Sometimes we need to make a mental corrigendum to correct our own misconceptions.

noun a noun refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'law' is a noun that refers to a rule or principle that governs behavior or the functioning of a system.

• According to Muphry's law, any errors in a written text will be noticed by the reader.
• Hey, did you hear about Muphry's law? It's like Murphy's law but for writing!
• Muphry's law is like the grammar police showing up when you least expect it.
• Muphry's law is a reminder that perfection is elusive, especially in the world of writing.

noun a person who oversees and makes decisions about the content of a publication or project

• The prestigious magazine appointed a guest editor for its upcoming issue.
• I heard that a guest editor will be taking over the next edition of the magazine.
• The magazine's bringing in a guest editor to spice things up.
• Having a guest editor is like a breath of fresh air in the editorial team.

noun a person who is invited to participate in the editing process

verb to edit or oversee the editing of something as a guest or temporary editor

• The renowned author was invited to guest-edit the upcoming issue of the literary magazine.
• My friend was asked to guest-edit the school newspaper for a week.
• I can't believe they let me guest-edit the company newsletter!
• She was given the opportunity to guest-edit her own life story and make changes as she saw fit.