WRITING is an ADVENTURE
I am going to do you a favor and save you some time. Hey, looking back on the last two years gives me the right to say that! Starting out at nothing and then moving toward something, my first book, started me on an unknown and unpredictable journey. I can look back now and say, I really didn’t know what I was doing when I first started out. All I knew was I wanted to write a book as a way to share my thoughts and to share my message. Before that, I wanted to write, yes, but it was more for the purpose of writing’s sake, to pen a book, not for the purpose of sharing a heart-felt message as it now.
My newest venture is in the area of editing and proofreading. Quite by accident I landed at The Christian PEN, an organization whose purpose is to help Christian proofreaders, copy editors, and authors develop their writing skills into marketable services. They offer a range of writing classes with some prerequisite coursework in tiered classes. One can’t just jump in there. You must wait until the class you need is offered. I signed up for a proofreading class. It was for self-development, a form of independent professional development that would help me become better acquainted with the mechanics side of the business and would improve my editing skills and knowledge of language constructs. I quickly enrolled in a proofreading class that was already in progress. My purpose in joining up was to get better at what I do as an author, and maybe even down the road, incorporate proofreading and editing as a side-income.
Like any job you have to have the right tools for the business, the standard tools of the trade. The writing trade is no different. There is a gold standard. I have learned a few things that are of utmost importance. The message comes out loud and clear. You have to do it right. A writer must use the reference tools the professionals use. Here are some resources that I have learned are the gold standard in the business. Note: All reference tools should be the most recent edition.
–The Chicago Manual of Style is the style guide of all style guides, the one used for secular work. When a proofreader/editor notes a correction, they will cite a page reference that documents the correct usage from this book. The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition
–The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style is for Christian writings and is the reference book used by Christian writers and editors. Its content is specific to its genre. It explains appropriate forms for quoting biblical references and the proper usage of language related to religious writings. 
–Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is the standard reference tool of the professionals. It is the referred to dictionary in the business. Dictionaries do not necessarily match in their word spellings (really!). This is the one you must have in your possession. It is also available on the internet. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
–The Associated Press Stylebook is the reference tool to use for magazine and article writing. The Associated Press Stylebook 201
Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide, is a newly published book that will be a great asset to any serious writer. I can already tell that it will come in handy and is user-friendly. It is written by the founder of The Christian PEN. She has done us a favor by giving us a handy dandy book that is practical and helpful. Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors
Scripture Quotes: It is also important to note that scripture quotes must be carefully checked for wording, punctuation, and citing. Familiar passages are often quoted incorrectly. Internet sites with bible texts may have errors. Just because it can be found on the internet does not mean it is quoted correctly. Part of the attention to detail is checking every scripture reference for accuracy. Buy a hard copy Bible. The ESV is most commonly referenced at the time of this writing. Amazon.com
So, there you have it! Resources at your finger tips.
I am learning just as you are. I would recommend that all writers read Kathy Ide’s Proofreading Secrets book. It is well-written and addresses all those little details that trip us up (that we don’t want to take time to look up!).
If you wish to go shopping right now, don’t hesitate! Hurry on over there right now to purchase one of these books. Amazon.com
HAPPY WRITING!
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N. L. Brumbaugh, with some writing tips!
