How to Pass a Copy Editor Test
Even with sophisticated electronic spelling and grammar tools on the market, the human copy editor remains a necessary part of the publication process. And with the vast number of pages being published in books, in newspapers, in magazines and on the Internet, copyediting jobs are everywhere. But before you can get a copyediting job, you must pass a copyediting test. These simple steps will help you through the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Working knowledge of English grammar, spelling, usage and punctuation
- Dictionary
- Thesaurus (optional)
- Appropriate style guide
- Grammar reference book (optional)
Instructions
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1
Learn what you can about the organization you're taking the test for. Find out what their specialization is and learn all you can about that topic before beginning the process.
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2
Read the materials you are given thoroughly. This will include the test instructions, the accompanying or pertinent style guide and the text of the test itself. Highlight in the instructions or style guide anything unique, new or potentially tricky before you begin. Do not start marking on the test yet! This step is just for familiarization.
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Use a spelling- and grammar-checking program before beginning your edit if the test is in electronic format. This can save time in catching misspelled words and other common errors.
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Pick up your pencil (or fire up your keyboard) and begin copyediting. Start this second, slower read of the material by correcting any remaining spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. After these items are correct, you can more clearly see what else needs fixing.
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Go through the test document even more slowly, sentence by sentence, for meaning. If you still don't understand something, and you can't see how to fix it yourself, pencil a query into the margin for the author or add an electronic comment if applicable.
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Reread the entire document word by word backward--yes, backward--to catch any lingering typos. You might be surprised by how many you'll find.
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Review the instructions to make sure that you have all the required materials compiled and labeled appropriately before submitting it to the testing organization. Good luck!
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