Category Archives: Web site

The Apostrophe Explained

Of all the punctuation marks, perhaps the one that causes the most confusion is the apostrophe. Although there are only a few ways to use it, it seems there are multiple ways to misuse it.

So I was excited to see this article from Lifehacker about a “How to Use an Apostrophe” flowchart. Instead of just telling people to use apostrophes with possessives and contractions, it breaks down the rules – and their exceptions – with examples and illustrations (cartoon kittens make punctuation seem less scary).

Regarding whether to use an apostrophe with a possessive ending in “s” (Chris’ kitten or Chris’s kitten), which are both correct depending on your style preference, the chart promotes – my favorite – consistency.

I would only make one addition: note the direction of the apostrophe, particularly in “the late ’90s.” See how it curls to the left? Apostrophes always curl in this direction. If the mark curls to the right, it’s an opening single quotation mark.

For examples of what not to do, check out Apostrophe Abuse and Apostrophe Catastrophes. (Apparently the abuse has become so catastrophic, there’s even an Apostrophe Protection Society.) You’ll notice that using an apostrophe to make a word plural (kitten’s rather than kittens) is a common mistake, which is probably why the flowchart tackles this usage first. Maybe it’s also the reason for this suggestion: “when in doubt, don’t use an apostrophe.”

Thanks to Scott for the link.

Product Review: The "Perfect" Editing Software

In this technological day and age, most professions are benefiting from software developments that help people do their jobs. Not so much for editors … Our biggest advancement in recent years has been moving from paper to screen. True, there’s spell check, but its usefulness is debatable (e.g., it won’t catch “there” for “their”). I am, however, a big fan of Microsoft Word’s track changes feature, which I almost always use when editing.

So I was very curious when, in response to my post about how to spell “copy editor,” I received an offer from Intelligent Editing to try PerfectIt, their software designed to find and correct inconsistencies in abbreviations, capitalization, hyphenation, and spelling. It also checks punctuation in lists, bullets, and tables as well as the numbering of tables and figures. Furthermore, you can customize the program for a specific style guide, or the company will do it for you for an additional fee.

PerfectIt works within Word, as a complement to the spelling and grammar check. The software quickly runs a series of tests to bring discrepancies to your attention, and “users make the final decision about suggested changes.” You can review each occurrence of a particular error or correct all the instances at once. It also accepts tracked changes and removes comment boxes! To get a feel for the way the program operates, watch this demo.

The software is easy to use, and I appreciate the focus on consistency, which is my primary concern when editing. (Pick a rule and stick with it!) PerfectIt searches for mistakes spell check doesn’t, such as whether numbers are spelled out or given as numerals. I like that you can adapt the program to a certain style, although, like many editors, I work with several style guides. PerfectIt isn’t as comprehensive as a style guide, just as spell check isn’t as comprehensive as a dictionary, but it’s a good starting point.

Of course, using a software program is not the same as having an actual editor read your work. It can’t look for character development or understand all the intricacies of grammar and language—at least not yet. Their site even says, “proofreading requires a human touch.” So, as with spell check, you can’t rely on PerfectIt alone—you’ll still need to read through your document at least once. It’s more like an assistant.

In these penny-pinching times, not everyone can afford a professional editor, and most people don’t have the time, ability, or desire to edit themselves. PerfectIt provides an alternative, but if you “attempt to edit on your own,” you’ll need a basic understanding of the style guidelines you’re following to decide how you want the program to handle inconsistencies. PerfectIt “works with you as you check through text,” not for you. Fortunately, the company’s Web site gives advice about writing a style guide and setting up PerfectIt accordingly.

For editors, it could make your job a little easier—if it doesn’t put you out of one! You can download PerfectIt and try it free for thirty days here.

On the Hot List

I am delighted to report that this blog made the Hotlist for the Writers Guild of America, West, a labor union made up of writers in film, television, and new media. This regular feature on the Guild’s site keeps “members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms.”

The eclectic list of arts links includes design and photography blogs, industry zines, graphic novels, and animation as well as Omnivoracious, a blog about all things books from the editors at Amazon.com.

I’m glad to be a part of it.