Q: Thank you for the site. It's a great resource.
I am a reporter in my third month at a weekly suburban newspaper. I work hard, but my articles often go to press with typos.
The copy editor left a few weeks ago, but even when he was there, he failed to catch errors.
Before taking this job, I worked for a weekly community publication (I switched jobs because I moved). That paper's copyeditors and proofreader not only caught typos, but also helped to improve content.
My editor said that he plans to hire more copy editors; in fact, one has started already, though he is not responsible for reading my copy.
What can I do in the meantime? I proof my own stuff, and sometimes swap with other reporters, but we do not have time to get through everything. And the mistakes are mine in the first place. The existence of copyeditors and proofreaders, however, leads me to believe that editors expect reporters to make mistakes. Is that true?
I am fine with "paying my dues" (I graduated from college last year), as long as I am not overcharged. Is it standard or acceptable for weekly papers to lack copyeditors and/or proofreaders?
Thanks again for the site, and for taking the time to read my e-mail.
Frustrated
A: Right up front, I like that you take responsibility for your own mistakes and that you seek good copy editing. Hang onto those traits. They will serve you well.
You are a living example of why so many ambitious journalists seek bigger papers. It is not just about money and prestige. It is about standards.
You simply have to become a better self-editor.
Three steps:
