Applied Geography Specialty Group: American Association of Geographers’ Post

Follow the tip

The Professional Editors' Guild (PEG), of which I am an enthusiastic member, has scheduled a free online information session, ‘What is copy-editing?’, for Tuesday, 12 November 2024, at 09:00 (SA time).    AIM OF THE SESSION The aim of the session is to promote an understanding of the work we do among potential clients and the general public (being one of PEG’s stated objectives). In turn, this supports promoting high standards in our work and upholding our professional status. The session is not directed at PEG members (we hope they know what copy-editing is!), although PEG members are welcome to attend.   PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION The session is open to anyone who needs copy editors or is interested in finding out why to use our services as copy editors.   REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL Registration for the session is essential. Please book your place at: https://lnkd.in/d2sGmUkF   WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA? Given the intended audience and aims of the session, it is not a platform to discuss editing concerns; rather, it is an offering to the public to increase awareness of and understanding about what we do and why it is important.

The Role of Fact-Checking in Modern Content In an age of information overload, ensuring accuracy has never been more critical. Fact-checking is the backbone of responsible content creation, safeguarding the integrity of writing while fostering trust with readers. The editorial process is incomplete without rigorous fact-checking. Whether it’s a blog post, academic paper, or corporate document, verifying every statistic, claim, and reference ensures credibility. It’s not just about catching errors—it’s about upholding the writer’s and publisher’s reputation. Fact-checking also strengthens the reader’s experience. Accurate information builds confidence, allowing audiences to engage without skepticism. In contrast, even a single error can undermine the authority of the content and lead to distrust. Modern tools and resources, from online databases to cross-referencing with authoritative sources, make fact-checking more accessible than ever. However, human judgment remains irreplaceable. Editors and writers must critically assess sources for reliability, bias, and relevance. In a world rife with misinformation, fact-checking is more than a task—it’s a responsibility. It elevates content from mere words to a trusted source of knowledge, standing out in a crowded and often unreliable digital landscape. #FactChecking #EditorialIntegrity #TalentsBridge #ContentAccuracy #ResponsibleWriting #BuildTrust #ProfessionalEditing #InformationMatters

There still remains no true method for having to edit work. A.I., paid editors, friendly helping people editing, none of that eliminates the need to go over the 'edited' work. Technology, properly process and used, in such programs like Final Draft can at least hem the author into a formatting that helps with the editing by keeping the work within certain boundaries seen to be acceptable to publishers or other entities or persons submitted to.

Someone asked me what a good journal editor should look like. This graphic about sums it up. A good editor is a servant for the community. Not a servant for their career. A good editor commits to the growth of of everyone. Not to the growth of their CV and citations. A good editor listens and responds to feedback from their community. Not just demands and directs based on their personal opinions. A good editor makes hard decisions. Not just placates the loudest voices. A good editor remains humble throughout their term. Not using their journal as a platform for self-promotion. There are no perfect editors. There are some very good editors who embody these attributes. When you select where to submit your work, send your papers to good editors. Why? Bc they are more likely to give your paper a fair shake. And. They deserve our support. #academiclife

Did you know? Myth #2: Editors judge you for your mistakes Truth: First, editors are human. And editors recognize their clients are also human, which means we expect mistakes to happen. In fact, it's why we have a job at all. We have no reason to judge. Second, editors become editors for various reasons. Maybe to develop stories. Maybe for the detail and precision. Maybe for the love of the written word. But can I tell you a secret? I've never met a single editor who became an editor to criticize someone else's mistakes. Not one. Ever. We find joy in placing commas, correcting homophones, improving syntax, and identifying plot holes. It's a great day when we find solutions to a confusing sentence or when we resolve an issue that elevates the story. Our goal is to fine-tune and finesse. Which brings me to my third point. Editors don't want an adversarial relationship with their author clients. We want partnerships. We want collaboration. There is no room for judgment here. So, if a fear of judgment has been holding you back from scheduling that discovery call with the editor you've been eyeing, put it aside. You'll be happy you did!

Why do you need a professional editor? Check out this fantastic article by Ramona D. Marek that relays the importance of hiring a professional editor and the journey of working with one! https://lnkd.in/ewsDWjyr

The role of a newspaper Editor is more than just a mere occupation (so to speak). The post holder must be attentive to details, and understand the importance of news management as well as the relevance of information management and communication systems. Conveying facts with accuracy, attribution, and objectivity, is vital to this post. More importantly, one should seek to maintain the cardinal principles of journalism and professional writing; that is 'TO INFORM, EDUCATE and ENTERTAIN". Methinks!

This is too good not to share: an extract from an editorial written in 2006: "The ability of an editor to edit depends to an important degree on the editor's own outlook and self-assurance (often mistakenly interpreted as arrogance). An eager propensity to poke a stick into something or somebody is also useful. It is a characteristic so widespread, at least among the editors I have known, members of the ICMJE and others, that it may be essential. But the defining characteristic of an editor is quixotic idealism, a characteristic that makes publishers nervous." https://lnkd.in/en3KktYr #scholarlypublishing #academicpublishing

How to handle peer review smoothly and efficiently as an editor Editorship is a tough job, and you have to face many challenges. This checklist will help you: 1️⃣ Establish Clear Reviewer Guidelines ✔ Provide structured templates for consistency and clarity. E.g., criteria for originality and methodology. 2️⃣ Leverage Editorial Software ✔ Use tools like ScholarOne to track submissions and automate reminders. 3️⃣ Select Qualified Reviewers ✔ Build a diverse, reliable pool to ensure quality and timely reviews. 4️⃣ Communicate Effectively ✔ Maintain transparent and professional updates with authors and reviewers. 5️⃣ Implement a Tiered Review Process ✔ Filter submissions for basic quality to save reviewers’ time. --------------- Checklist for Success ✔ Ensure clear deadlines. ✔ Adhere to ethical standards (COPE, etc.). ✔ Provide constructive feedback. Follow Muhammad Haroon for more research insights