The Subversive Copy Editor, Second Edition

Longtime manuscript editor and Chicago Manual of Style guru Carol Fisher Saller has negotiated many a standoff between a writer and editor refusing to compromise on the “rights” and “wrongs” of prose styling. Saller realized that when these sides squared off, it was often the reader who lost. In her search for practical strategies for keeping the peace, The Subversive Copy Editor was born. Saller’s ideas struck a chord, and the little book with big advice quickly became a must-have reference for copy editors everywhere.

In this second edition, Saller adds new chapters, on the dangers of allegiance to outdated grammar and style rules and on ways to stay current in language and technology. She expands her advice for writers on formatting manuscripts for publication, on self-editing, and on how not to be “difficult.” Saller’s own gaffes provide firsthand (and sometimes humorous) examples of exactly what not to do. The revised content reflects today’s publishing practices while retaining the self-deprecating tone and sharp humor that helped make the first edition so popular. Saller maintains that through carefulness, transparency, and flexibility, editors can build trust and cooperation with writers.

The Subversive Copy Editor brings a refreshingly levelheaded approach to the classic battle between writers and editors. This sage advice will prove useful and entertaining to anyone charged with the sometimes perilous task of improving the writing of others.

“"With the book, (Saller) hopes to give copy editors 'self-assurance and a measure of grace'”

"If you admired--even loved--the first Subversive Copy Editor, you will perforce admire and love the second edition."

--John McIntyre "Baltimore Sun"

in negotiating words with the writers we are 'charged with saving from themselves.' It's an invaluable work for aspiring copy editors, and a useful one for those more established. Writers--who all edit their own work, to a degree--will also find it illuminating. The Subversive Copy Editor is a wise, witty, and thoroughly helpful companion to the work of editing."

--Stan Carey "Sentence First"
"May be the best copy editor's companion since the CMS, the AP Style Guide and that dog-eared xerox of copy editing marks you keep tacked up on the cubicle wall. . . . This is an ideal complement to any style guide: practical, relentlessly supportive and full of ed-head laughs."--Praise for the previous edition "Publishers Weekly"

Carol Fisher Saller, now retired, was previously the editor of the Chicago Manual of Style Online's Q&A and a senior manuscript editor at the University of Chicago Press. She is a regular guest editor for the Chicago Manual of Style's Shop Talk blog. She is the author of several books for children, most recently the young adult novel Eddie's War.

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