Well, that's one course down, and the BIG one still to do.
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I am currently studying to earn formal professional qualifications as a proofreader and editor. The first stage in this process was to tackle the "Essential Grammar" course run by the Publishing Training Centre.
I can honestly say that my eyes have been opened to the world of British grammar.
Back in the day, grammar was grammar. There were set "rules" that you followed religiously. We were taught them at school. We used them in all academic studies (you could fail a history O-level simply by having poor spelling and handwriting, for example), and we would never dream of not doing what we had been taught.
Roll on 40-odd years and things are completely different.
Yes, there are still a few rules (but even those are "flexible" depending on context, usage, and numerous cultural and regional adaptations). However, most of what we use nowadays seems to be a compromise where very little is actually WRONG, and almost every contentious decision is argued over by the experts (both sides having valid stances). Language has changed. It is fluid. It evolves over time.
So, as a prospective editor and proofreader, what should I take from this course?
The main conclusion is that the writer is ultimately right - if they choose to follow a certain "style" (or their publishing company insist on a specific "style guide"), then that is what you follow. What is correct in one style guide might be forbidden in another. Equally, if working to an American system, you need to alter your mindset away from British English, and the rules associated with it.
It seems that editing and proofreading is a string of decisions and compromises whereby you need to justify the stance you have taken. If you can do that, put it to the author, and they agree, then everything goes smoothly. If they disagree with your decisions (or have set opinions of their own) then it is their choice how they wish to proceed.
Gone are the days of pointing out errors by referring to set guidelines and rules - now you refer to style guides, style sheets, and adapt grammar and some punctuation according to who the reader is, where they live, and what they expect.
Moving on...
Next in my training courses comes the actual "Line Editing and Proofreading" training. From what I understand, it is much more than simply spotting a few spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
Wish me luck...
