When trying to choose a copy-editing or proofreading book that will be a useful and timeless reference resource, most students will want to be sure to pick a book that is the best value for the price. In order to achieve this, it is worth considering the benefits offered by each type of book.

Firstly, It is important to decide whether you need a copy-editing book or a proofreading book. This is a wide field and it would be impossible for any book to cover all the information in depth. Those looking for a general introduction to the technical writing and editing field may find a book explaining the steps in book production, manuscript submission, drafts, editing stages, pre-publication and general proofing useful.

It is useful to look for a book that explains the actual business of editing copy, or even a reference guide to keep on hand if you are already in the field. With the phenomenal rate of change in new technologies, it is also important to check that books cover new developments in the industry.

A truly useful copy-editing book should have a structured design with information that is easy to follow. This encourages quick learning, uptake and recall. Chapters should be quite detailed, and should cover finer points such as fonts and computer editing.

Checklists and a bibliography should be included and should be comprehensive and useful. A good copy-editing book should be able to take readers through from the manuscript stage of book examples, right through to the finished volume.

Any new writer wanting to change career to enter the lucrative field of technical or medical writing would do well to read about the process first. Even successful technical writers who wish to move up to the higher realms of copy-editing will be better able to do their best with regularly updated study. As professional writers, they will then be better equipped to fulfil any brief they are given as they will understand the whole book production process so well.

Writers looking for proofreading checklists, however, should go for an actual manual. This more work-a-day type of guide will have checklists, proofreading mark lists and charts they can refer to. Such books are often referred to as Style Books or Style Sheets for example one popular one is the Chicago manual of style.

When choosing a reliable proofreading guide, it is useful to check out the topics being covered in the book. It almost goes without saying that a valuable and substantial work should include basic English Grammar and spelling rules as well as punctuation and outlining guidance. Buyers should check out the section on format to see if it is truly comprehensive.

Research papers have a specialised creation system and a good proofreading book or style manual should reflect this process and cover the subject in depth.

With the phenomenal rise in the use of the Internet for on line writing and reference, it is very important to choose a proofreading guide that explains the guidelines for using and finding electronic source material. There are correct and permissible citing systems that need clear explanation. Research abbreviations and correct terminology should be covered by a comprehensive proofreading book too.

A good proofreading book should have a section devoted to catalogue, database and index use, including those that are Internet based and it should provide appropriate lists.

It may be necessary for writing students to study more than one book, but certainly if those books are worth their salt then there should be no need to buy a whole deskful! A couple of truly comprehensive and substantial copy-editing or proofreading guides should be all that a budding copy editor or technical writer needs.

Learn more about this author, InspiredWritingResearch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to choose the right copyediting and proofreading books?
We want to hear your view. Write now!