I got a lot done tonight. Packing, cleaning, relaxing. I just started on my homework assignment, which is worth 25% of my grade and is due in two weeks. I finished one paragraph of editing for concision and clarity. The following is to give an example of what I am up against.
Original paragraph:
“As we will discuss in detail in a later section, the evaluation field is diverse in the disciplinary outlooks of persons in it, their ideological and political orientations, and their economic and career aspirations. Despite the diversity, however, almost across the board, evaluators share a common perspective about the purposefulness of their work; the major rationale for doing applied work is to impact on the actions and thinking of the broad category of persons who effect social change, and who in their policy and action roles use the findings and conclusions provided by evaluators.”
Edited paragraph:
“While evaluators may embrace diverse values and ambitions, they consistently share a common perspective regarding the intent of their work — which is to influence those who use the findings and conclusions evaluators provide to effect social change.”
I’ll probably change it some more in the next two weeks.
I have no idea what the content of that sentence is about, but that isn’t my job. My job is to make the words understandable, easy to read, and concise — without losing meaning. I like playing with language. The first sentence is a total mess of redundancy and nominalizations; filler. The second sentence says the same thing in a way that is simple and clear.
Nine more paragraphs to go, then I have to make sure they all make sense together.
Man, that looks like the coolest assignment ever. Perfect for an anal-retentive langauge freak like myself. What is it that you’re studying, and what kind of a career is it preparing you for?
I am studying developmental or line editing, hoping for a career change in the future to just that — some kind of editing, whether it be copy editing or content editing. Pretty interesting to me, and a field that has no lack of work, and requires a high level of skill.
I am taking a three-part certification course from UC Berkeley, on the last leg now. I get my certificate in August! Wooo.
I didn’t realize that one could get certified in editing. This is something I should definitely look into…
So there’s a lot of demand for editors? I wouldn’t think that would be the case.
Anywhere there is copy, it needs to be edited. Think about all the written material around you; magazines, books, newspapers, billboards, brochures, ads, everything. Someone needs to make sure it’s right. Someone like…
EDITOR GIRL!!
And every writer needs an editor.
Is having the certification necessary? Does it help one find work? How might I go about breaking into this field?
I don’t think the certification is necessary, but it sure will help. I took my classes through the UCB extension program here; at night. I dropped outta college so I don’t have a degree (YET!), so having this will be handy. I also learned a LOT. And, as I have no professional experience (YET), again, having this piece of paper and the A grades behind it will also help.
Also yesterday I joined the bay area editors’ forum, which will hook me up with freelance work I hope.
See if any universities where you live offer an editing program why not…
Thanks for the info. You have definitely given me something to ponder…
Can I play?
That seems fun! Here’s my effort:
Although evaluators vary in discipline, ideology, political orientation, and personal aspirations, they share a common purpose: to provide social activists with findings that will effect their actions and thinking.
You’re right, who knows what the devil it means!