“Subversive”? Really?
Well, not really. The only thing we’re subverting here is the stereotype of the rigid, power-tripping copy editor.
Two goals
- to overturn the old trope of writer and editor as enemies, and
- to remember that sometimes it’s OK to break the rules in the service of the reader.
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?
Read the introduction (PDF). It’s free! Then head to the blog and join the discussion. I hope to see you there!
Praise for 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
