Editing Marks on Manuscripts

If you work with an editor who provides feedback on your paper manuscript, you may find some strange markings. Yes, you are expected to know what they mean. Usually called proofreading or proofreader's marks, while they may look like cute avatars, they have specific meanings about punctuation, spelling, placement and typography. For example, this: =^^= may indicate a cute kitty smile in a chat, but this: ^ could mean "insert here" or "make subscript", depending on the situation. You can see many proofreaders' marks and their meanings at this Chicago Manual of Style page.

Speaking of graphics in chats, make your marks tonight. Every Wednesday night, 8-11 pm EST, 5-8 pm Pacific Time, The Writer's Chatroom is open for a casual chat. Several editors, writers and readers drop in to talk about whatever topics strike their fancy. Sometimes even writing. Login by typing in you name, then click the "Login" button. No password needed, but Java is required on your computer.