“Subversive”?
Not really. The only thing we’re subverting here is the stereotype of the rigid, power-tripping copy editor. I want us to resist compulsions, banish insecurities, and develop habits of carefulness, transparency, and flexibility. I aim to show not how to copyedit, but how to live a good work life in spite of having to meet deadlines, juggle projects, and criticize the writing of others.
Curious?
Head to the blog and join the discussion. I hope to see you there!
Reviews of The Subversive Copy Editor
“Saller writes with wisdom and a great generosity of spirit. . . . An ideal complement to any style guide: practical, relentlessly supportive and full of ed-head laughs.” — Publishers Weekly | starred review
“An insider’s book to cure writers . . . while shoring up editors. . . . Good advice.” — William Safire | New York Times
“Carol Fisher Saller is the mentor that every copyeditor dreams of.” — Amy Einsohn | The Copyeditor’s Handbook
“Messrs. Strunk and White will find Saller to be good company.” — Jennifer Baldarama | New York Times
“If you admired—even loved—the first Subversive Copy Editor, you will perforce admire and love the second edition.“ — John McIntyre | Baltimore Sun
“The Subversive Copy Editor is a wise, witty, and thoroughly helpful companion to the work of editing.“ — Stan Carey | Sentence First
“The best book on editing I’ve ever read.“ — Jonathon Owen | Arrant Pedantry
Illustration: Too Much Work, courtesy Bilboq.