Kelsey Waddill

It’s important for both writers and editors to understand the nuances of the phrase "to have" and its past participle "had," as they reveal deeper connections between subjects and actions. https://lnkd.in/e4QXnABb #Writing #Editing #Usage #Language #CopyEditing #RightTouchEditing

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Many writers and editors think the Associated Press Stylebook is against using the serial (Oxford) comma. That’s not true. AP style *does* recommend using the serial comma in complex lists. For example, if one of the items in a list contains a conjunction, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Fritz enjoys snacking on bananas, cheese and crackers, and ice cream. Additionally, if the items in the list are long, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Helen changed the car’s worn tire before embarking on her big road trip, Raul shined the fenders until he could see his reflection in them, and Sara double-checked all fluid levels. AP does not recommend using a serial comma in a simple list: Dante bought strawberries, sliced turkey and rye bread. This is in contrast to most other style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, which calls for a serial comma in all lists. To learn more differences between AP style and Chicago style, check out Dragonfly Editorial’s field guide on this very topic. It’s titled “AP Style and Chicago Style: 15 Major Differences,” and the link is in the comments.

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Editing pet peeve: the goofy obsession with the Oxford comma. Oxford enthusiasts—whom I often refer to as "Oxfordnistas"—insist that the serial comma is the ultimate arbiter of clarity and slayer of ambiguity. And they demonstrate this overstated power through a series of reductionist—albeit humorous—memes. Below on the left is one such example. Again, this meme assuredly suggests a moment where a lack of a serial comma may confuse readers. Rather than express a list of the three, the Oxford-less sentence seems to imply an appositive suggesting the exotic dancers are, in fact, Stalin and JFK. But what happens if you change strippers (plural) to stripper (singular). One good contrived strawman argument deserves another, right? On the right is the counterpoint. Here, the sentence with the Oxford comma introduces ambiguity. Is that JFK on stage three collecting singles, or is somebody else? The trick is simple: When in doubt, rewrite. "We invited JFK, Stalin and the strippers." See how this is clearly a list of three? See how I didn't need the comma to do so? Ultimately, the Oxford comma is a stylistic convention, so it is a matter of personal preference. You can also write, "We invited JFK, Stalin, and the strippers." That *also* works. Either way, stop pretending that your prescriptivist take on the Oxford comma is holy writ. #Oxfordcomma

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This morning, I read a riveting post from Joe Lazer (Lazauskas) discussing the value of disclosing our use of Generative AI in everything we write. His position is that by including a statement disclosing how we have used AI in the development of a piece of content, we can: "1. Learn from each other...2. Build trust with readers... 3. Create a new norm that will spawn others... and distinguish and increase the value of human-generated content..." I think he's right. It's a compelling read. You can find the piece on his Substack, The Storytelling Edge. What do you think?

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What is the metal/plastic tube fixed tightly on your shoelace tips called? It's an aglet. Introducing the Aglet Narrative Approach: Just like an aglet keeps the lace threads together, this method ensures every part of your book is tightly connected, making your #bookwriting work a cohesive unit. 🧶 Ensure that the themes or lessons of each chapter weave through the narrative seamlessly, much like the continuous thread of a shoelace. ↔️ Each chapter reflects on previous insights and sets the stage for what’s next, keeping readers engaged and making the narrative flow effortlessly. 📌 Like an aglet protects the lace ends, regularly reinforce the main themes through recurring motifs, or anecdotes that tie back to the central thesis. 🧵 Use visuals like charts and infographics to guide readers through your narrative, similar to how an aglet guides the lace through the eyelet. The Aglet Narrative Approach works best in #nonfiction where clarity is crucial. Pro tip: At the end of each chapter, include a succinct summary or key takeaway that reinforces the chapter’s main points. This serves as the 'aglet'. 🤝 Want to know more or thinking about writing a book yourself? Let’s connect! #BookWriting #NonFiction #Publishing #WritingTips #PersonalDevelopment

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Here's a cautionary tale about why it's important to regularly revisit the content in your automated email workflows. I live in Massachusetts and received an email and snail mail letter on Tuesday alerting me that my PCP and the hospital that's literally five minutes away will no longer be contracted as in-network providers for Tufts Health Direct, which is my insurance. The Boston Globe reports that over 20,000 patients are affected, and that number could balloon to 40,000. It's a dispute between the owner of Tufts (Point32Health) and area hospitals/medical groups. Right or wrong, I'm annoyed at Tufts and its owner. And this is key to the point I'm about to make. Remember, I got the notification about the insurance kerfuffle on Tuesday. The next day, I received an automated email from Tufts with a subject line that said, "Tell us how we're doing." The email invited me to take a 15-minute survey. (Screenshot below.) Talk about bad timing, right? I feel ZERO love for Tufts right now. (Again, it doesn't matter who's right or wrong in this dispute. I'm a customer reacting in a customerly way.) OK, here's the marketing lesson . . . Listen, I get how easy it can be to forget about all those emails on autopilot. This is why I recommend that content marketing teams review ALL automated emails every quarter (at least). 📒 Is the content still accurate? 📒 How are the analytics? (For example, are people opening emails and doing what you're asking them to do?) 📒 Is your team working in a silo, or are you aware of what's going on in the larger org? And do you need to change any messaging based on those things? 📒 Do you have a go-to place that offers a snapshot of all live email workflows and the basic gist of each email? Regarding that last point . . . when big news breaks (either inside or outside the company), consider whether you need to pause or adjust any automated communications. Double-check your go-to doc/app to see if there are any emails you need to address or pause. Back in my radio days, when I worked as a morning show producer, we always pulled any airline radio commercials whenever there was a plane crash. Similar concept here. IMO, this "tell us how we're doing" email should have been paused. It absolutely shouldn't have gone out the day after 20,000+ people got a notice that they're kinda screwed. Automation is incredibly helpful. But don't let it lead you into complacency or Sloppy Land.

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Should you pivot, or persist? If you've ever dealt with writer's block or self-doubt, you've probably struggled with this question. I've had multiple authors come to me in just the past weeks wondering if it was time to change targets. For my thoughts on how you can think it through, check out my post today on substack -- https://lnkd.in/eFThaNZp

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The Power of a Pitch "Publishing credentials, well-researched comp titles, and a bit of personalization will certainly help your case, but your pitch is currency." https://buff.ly/3Yv3wqF #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #writerslife #amwriting

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When is it acceptable to not spell out abbreviations that do not appear in the dictionary? Unsurprisingly, the answer is ambiguous! https://zurl.co/C7qL #Usage #Grammar #Language #Abbreviations #Writing #Editing #CopyEditing

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Evoking Engagement and Empathy in Science Stories Storytelling in science isn't just about facts—it's about evoking empathy and engagement. In this article, learn about: The neuroscience of science stories Why telling a cool story is vital Why a good story always starts with asking the right question How to take your audience on a journey https://lnkd.in/gsRG2y5U If you're a science or health brand looking for a compelling content strategy, learn how StoryMade Studio crafts compelling science narratives that resonate with your audiences. Contact us. #ScienceCommunication #Storytelling #Editing #Writing

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Efficiency tip for working in Word: If you're doing a lot of searching in a manuscript but don't want to lose your place, or if you want to compare tracked changes to a clean copy, try the New Window function (under the "View" tab). This opens the same file in a new window, allowing you to work on either. I use this when I need to compare references, check spellings throughout the manuscript, or see how edits look in the marked-up file vs. clean file. It saves me from so much back-and-forth. To see how it looks in practice, check out my blog post on efficiency tools you can use while editing.

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Did you know you can set word target 🎯 for each scene in your novel with Scrivener? Find out how in my next Free Scrivener Training — https://lnkd.in/gwzF7iYt

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Editor-in-Chief. Director of Social Media. Head of Copy. Content Creator. These are NOT interchangeable job titles. Just like a doctor, anesthesiologist, and gynecologist, all serve one patient with distinct expertise, social media marketing, and editorial roles require unique skill sets—even if they're supporting the same brand. Yet here we are, watching roles get lumped together, labeled as "entry-level" or simply "marketing," with salaries under $50k. In 2024’s economy, it’s not just insulting—it’s wildly unrealistic. Recently, I was approached by not one, not two, but three Columbus-based magazines for roles like Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief, and Social Media Manager (a skill I don’t even claim to have), all offering the same salary: $50k and below. This does nothing but devalue talent, stretch employees thin, and leave organizations struggling to reach their full potential. And honestly? Columbus creatives deserve better. It’s time to do the work and start valuing expertise. Let’s raise the bar. ✍️

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When I edit any type of content, I'm looking at: ✍ Readability - Is it easy to understand? ✍ Connective tissue - Do you help readers connect the dots? Or do they need to do it on their own? ✍ Scannable - Can someone who scans the article get the gist and be persuaded to read it in full? These types of edits get overlooked far too often in favor of line edits. Yes, grammar and spelling are both important (and this type of edit has to happen, too), but if the article isn't written in a way that will engage the reader, why even write it? I love the way Tracey Wallace explained the different types of edits (and how to think about them) in her article "The 3 Types of Edits" on Workweek. Take a look and see what stands out to you. How are you going to rethink your approach to writing and editing content? https://lnkd.in/eFAhGvpd #contentmarketing #editingtips #writer

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Read why the words "Confirmed Coverage" are the dirtiest words in the freelance writing industry on today's Substack!

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The Case For Audio Podcasting: For Your Ears Only -- When we watch a video podcast, our eyes assume command of sensory input, reducing the ears to second-tier status. https://lnkd.in/eb3G4U8i

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