Children's writing

The Final Run-Thorugh

I’m checking for typos. Get it?

Copy editing. It’s tough. Here are some things I’m specifically looking for on this last run-through (and by “last run through,” I mean several last runs through): consistent capitals in the materials lists, verbs at the start of every craft step, size 10 courier when used in the answer key, switch the occasional ALL CAPS in the answer key to lowercase, spelling and typos, the list goes on and on. It’s a little troubling how much I actually find–things that have slipped by others as well–if that’s any comfort.

Hard, hard, hard. It’s either mentally exhausting or boring, not sure which, but I’m about saturated. One more time through right now, and then I’m sending the files to the editor.

Yippee!  It’s been great fun, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.  I hope it’s perfect, but I’m sure it’s not.  The good news is, there’s a whole team of people that are going to try to make it perfect, too.

Categories: Children's writing

2 replies »

  1. Speaking of puzzles, I just got my copy of “Clueless”. I love it! I can’t wait to see your Spiderwick ones. I’m sure they will be perfect.

  2. I’m sure they won’t be perfect, but that’s okay. I might be disappointed to actually achieve perfection because what then?

    I’m so glad you like CLUELESS! I’m flattered that you got it. I need to see if the publisher wants to do more. I learned a lot from that project and could do better on the next one. I want to do more with Mike’s photography.