A thought-provoking new podcast features researchers who study copy editing.
Copy editing is invisible, if you’re doing it right.
Right?
What if I told you that a whole world of researchers is exploring what we do? The mechanics of it, the relationships in it, and uncommon narratives about it?
Reader, there is such a world. While we editors get to share tips for the process and business of editing at ACES and EFA conferences, researchers are studying our profession to explore editor-writer power dynamics, the role editors play in shaping research and who gets published, and the legitimization of English variants.
What’s being said about copy editors?
For a long time, I’ve wanted to connect copy editors to this world. And now, through a new podcast, I get to introduce all my edibuddies to thrilling journal articles and other research about editing.
“Talking Proper” is a joint venture between Dragonfly Editorial and my blog, Outside the Book. Each month, I chat with a publishing professional or academic who studies editing. We discuss Standard English, World Englishes, and power dynamics, among other topics.
I hope the episodes expand your view of editing and how we build relationships with writers.
Who’s on the new podcast?
There is so much for editors to consider here! In the first few episodes, we’ll talk with the following folks:
- Dr. David Owens, an associate professor of English literature, on editing for non-native-English-speaking researchers
- Dr. Joel Heng Hartse, an academic who focuses on writing, on whether it’s possible to “pluralize” English in copy editing practice
- Jonathon Owen, linguist and author of the blog Arrant Pedantry, on editors’ role in standardizing English
I expect some big emotions and opinions about these discussions. We certainly don’t have to agree with all the research. However, because it is specifically about our profession, shouldn’t we at least contend with it? Join me and shake things up a little (and contact me if you would like to be featured or would like to discuss an article with me on the podcast).
