Copy Editing

Recommended copy editing textbooks, with comments by members

• Copy Editors Handbook for Newspapers, by Fellow and Clanin (Morton) (Paperback textbook incorporates the workbook)

… it covers a ton and has lots of exercises. (And the student version comes with holes punched, ready for a three-ring binder.)

• The Editorial Eye, by Harrigan & Dunlap (Workbook is separate)

… about four years ago i sampled four or five editing texts and settled on “the editorial eye” … if not a rip-roaringly strong text, it was the least weak — particularly in the grammar section.

… one of the best features … is the availabilty of a workbook that offers accompanying exercises — very useful with students who need actual drill and not merely a quick reminder of correct practice.

• Creative Editing, by Bowles and Borden (Wadworth/Longman) (Paperback textbook incorporates the workbook, companion website)

… a great editing text

• Contemporary Editing, by Friend, Challenger, McAdams (NTC) (Paperback Textbook, workbook is separate)

• The Complete Editor (Pearson, Allyn and Bacon) (Paperback textbook incorporates workbook)

• The Art of Editing in the Age of Convergence, Brooks and Pinson (Pearson, Allyn and Bacon) (Workbook is separate)

• Editing Today, Smith (Blackwell) (Workbook is separate)

• Copy Editing for Professionals, Rooney and Witte (Stipes) (Spiral-bound incorporates workbook)

• Editing for Clear Communication, Lieb (McGraw-Hill) (Spiral-bound with some exercises at end of chapters)