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"'The Frugal Editor: Do-It-Yourself Editing Secrets for Authors' is a complete course of instruction under one cover." ~ Jim Cox Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review


Friday, March 25, 2011

Unassailable Editors and Capitalization

Just popping in to apologise for being AWOL. I'm working feverishly on a final edit for another of my books and one for a client. But I thought I'd quickly share. My editor threw me for a loop when he capitalized Content Management Services. I knew there was something techy I didn't know about going on here!

So I Googled (actually, I use Goodsearch.com where my searches contribute to literacy charities of my choice) to see what was happening with that term. And here it is. Lots of business like Hewlett Packard do cap it, but here's the thing. Just because Hewlett Packard or Walmart cap something to make it stand out or to make it look proprietary, we don't have to. In fact, we shouldn't play into their little ruse. So Joe's Beanery has a great  Hot Veggie Chili.  Well great for them. They can cap all they want, but "hot veggie chili" isn't a brand name. In fact it's pretty generic. 

Mmmmm. So is "content management services." So there!

A good example never to assume our editors are unassailable.

Oh! And in case you are wondering! Walmart used to be Wal-Mart or Wal-mart. Makes no difference. Because now they are Walmart. Guess they figured out that simple is better, but no wonder the world of editing is confusing!
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson edits, consults. and speaks on issues of publishing. Find her The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers). Learn more about her other authors' aids at www.howtodoitfrugally.com/writers_books.htm , where writers will find lists and other helps including Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips on the Resources for Writers page. She blogs on all things publishing (not just editing!) at her Sharing with Writers blog. She tweets writers' resources at www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo . Please tweet this post to your followers. We all need a little help with editing. (-:

1 comment:

Donna McDine said...

Carolyn:

Interesting post. Listening to one's gut is so important.

Best wishes on the editing of your book and client book.

Warm regards,
Donna