h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I am interested in becoming a Sub-editor. I have a pretty good grasp of the the english language (at least the American version!) I am by no means an expert however. So I guess I need to know what qualifications you are looking for. I have been an Art Director for several years, and besides proofing art I must also proof verbiage. I have also been writing professional business letters for years, in both legal and non-legal terminology. Please let me know if you can use me, if not I will probably then volunteer to be a Scout.

Thanks ever so much!
Michele

Hi Michele!

Thanks for volunteering Sounds like you've got an eye for detail, which is just the sort of thing we're after. I'll contact you when I do the next round of recruiting. In the meantime, it might be an idea to take a look at peerreview to see the sorts of entries that are coming up. Speak soon!

Anna

Yes - I checked out several of the entries in peer review and I see what you mean. Several are fantastic as they stand, a couple need a little help and then there are a few that need typos corrected, grammar improved etc. Do sub-editors actually go in and change the typos or do they just make suggestions? Do you ask the researcher first if you can proof his work, let him know where you made changes, etc. or do you just do it? I mean - I'm sure the sub-editors don't want to re-write the researcher's entry, but some people really need a LOT of help, and making suggestions may still be a bit over their head.

I think I can do this - and I am very good with making suggestions to people in ways that don't make them feel like a moron! (I have had several of the people who have worked under me in the past tell me that I am the only person that they know who can actually criticize them and they feel better about themselves afterwards than they did before!)

So to cut this short - I am definitely volunteering to be a sub-editor! When do you think you will be recruiting next?

Thanks!
Michele

Hey Michele,

Re: "Do sub-editors actually go in and change the typos or do they just make suggestions? Do you ask the researcher first if you can proof his work, let him know where you made changes, etc. or do you just do it?"

Normally, I post to the entry telling the author that I'm going to change spelling and grammar etc. I tell him/her if I make major changes, and make sure that they agree.

It really depends on how much time you've got on your hands. Atone end of the scale, people just correct the entry and send it back, at the other end they can spend more than a week in consultation with the author. I normally set a deadline of about five days.

Hope that helps
Axe_123 (subed)