When summer slowdown times hit (hello July!) I make a point to read and reread books that either help or inspire professionally. These help me refocus on my why and keep up with the latest in editorial thought leadership.
This summer I finally acquired a couple of books that are new to me after several years of hearing about them, knowing I should read them, WANTING to read them, and then finally finding the time to sit down with them.
Here they are, in case you are behind on your bookshelf too:
Elements of Indigenous Style
Ever since I attended a talk by the author of this book, I have wanted to add this to my bookshelf. As I have written a few stories on Indigenous topics, I aim to improve my knowledge in order to become a better writer/editor in this area.
What I got from this book was different from what I had expected, but in a good way. I had thought it would be more of a glossary on how to use different Indigenous terms (and even how to spell them), but actually liked the approach as more of a discussion of the Indigenous world view and how to bring that into your writing. As I reflect on it, I was sort of expecting Canadian Press’ Caps and Spelling and instead got the Style Guide itself. That’s probably the most shop talk sentence I’ve ever written, but if you’re an editor you’ll know what I mean.
Top takeaways for me included the discussions around protocols about writing on Indigenous topics, including the importance of asking people directly how they would tell their own stories, asking individuals how they identify themselves, and finding ways to collaborate and include Indigenous people in their own stories. There were also some good pointers on where to look for those glossary elements I sought.
The Subversive Copy Editor
Are Carol Saller and I the same person? Another book I’ve heard recommended for years, this book stands out for the number of times I found myself nodding in agreement with the author’s perspective.
Carol Saller is a longtime editor for the Chicago Manual of Style, and author of the subversivecopyeditor.com blog. She and I think very similarly when it comes to the editing process and language in general: that it’s important to follow the rules, but it can be sometimes subversive to know when language is changing and be flexible about usage, to start conversations about how we write and edit, and aim for the best in language rather than adhering to the way we’ve always done things. (see: my irritation and then eventual acceptance of the word impact being used as a verb).
I also really enjoyed Saller’s focus in the second half of the book on working with fellow editors and writers. Tips included assuming the best intentions of colleagues, focusing on collaboration, and recognizing that you have a shared goal in creating great texts. Not only did these ideas affirm my own views, but I now have a resource to pass along to students and others when I want to share tips on how to create great editorial relationships.
