Ask business writers what they fear most in copy, chances are they will respond ~
TYPOS
I shudder as I write the word.
Simple acknowledgement opens the back door to the nasty vermin.
- Your own editing misses them
- Typos catch you napping
Researchers are baffled on why typos exist.
Read the result of their study at Do Typos Exist to Show Us We’re Human?
We need a united front to battle these Titans of Terror.
Battle Strategy
We all hate typos.
- Sooner or later, typos will creep into your writing
- Typos happen to professionals and non-professionals alike
Since you cannot prevent them, go to Plan B and eliminate typos. How?
Sign up for Got your back editing.
When done properly, Got your back editing rids the online world of typos.
Sorry print world. Your form of eradication is called recycling.
The following outlines our strategy.
1. Use front-door editors
Before you release your business writing, ask others to read it.
- Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Check figures, dates, and facts
The ideal front-door editing team has individuals skilled in each phase of the attack.
- Have a spot-a-math-error-in-a-second genius on your team?
- Use that individual for number editing
2. Have field editors
If typos escape through the front door, field editors should go on high alert.
Choose your field editors wisely.
- Develop a Got your back agreement with colleagues
- Look for a partnership built on trust and sharing
- Avoid Shout to the world typo alarmists
Alarmists are those individuals so seriously infected by typos, they have made it their mission in life to publicly point out every single typo.
The best field editors alert you to typos privately.
3. Become a professional field editor
We have all observed typos in the wild.
They lurk in jungles of link-laden marketing that cares less about content and more about the numbers of clicks.
Sadly, this form of online content is too far gone.
Focus your efforts on the innocent writer.
- If you see a typo, alert the writer
- Notify them privately and professionally
- Consider your efforts a professional courtesy
If you are on the receiving end of such notification = be grateful.
I know I am.
How do you eliminate the Titans of Terror?
P.S. Yes, it happened – this post had a typo – thanks to my Got your back editor friend, Shane Arthur.
I warned you – kiss of death.
Laughing out loud!
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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Well, I think we have typos to prove that we ARE fallible. Of course, some folks write so poorly that a typo would be an improvement (or non-detectable).
Even though I write my post, I read my post, I wait two or three weeks and reread it from the bottom up to check for spelling, gender and case errors, and then edit it again- darned if one of those poopadoops doesn’t pop up from time to time…
Kind of like a kipa on our writing. (A kipa is worn to remind one that there is someone over you at all times…be mindful…)
Then I am very fallible, Roy. 😉 You astound me with the volume you are able to produce and so accurately. Why do I like you again? 🙂 Oh yeah, it’s things like poopadoops that just crack me up.
Thanks for sharing your kipa. 🙂
Oh, one eventually sneaks through, Cathy, but these tips will help keep them to a minimum. I don’t often have people reread my stuff but I usually let it sit for a while before proofing – that gets rid of most of them.
I have to think Roy for having my back a lot. I have no problem being told I goofed up. I get in too big a hurry, which is why Roy and I couldn’t ever work together. But I have a very hard time telling anyone in our group about their errors because I am afraid they will get offended. Thanks for the reminder that maybe they, too, would like someone to get their back, Cathy.
Oops, I mean “thank”. My bad.
Another good practice, Sharon. I use that one myself. Thank you for adding that tip. 🙂
Ann: LOL-who knew you would be infected on contact? 😀 But, I can see how Roy’s name conjures up the word think.
There’s definitely an art to graceful editing. Maybe that’s why I no longer offer copyediting services. 😉
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ann.
Ultimately I think laughing out loud is the real solution. I’ve learned to live with my clients and insist that they hire a pro copyeditor for books…
That is a very good plan, Anne!