Questions for a Freelance Copyeditor: Mark Allen

Mark Allen is a freelance editor and writer who has been editing for 30 years—since his high school newspaper days. Until 2009, all his experience was in newspapers, including ten years on the copy desk at the Grand Rapids Press and three at the Columbus Dispatch. 

What's your current editing gig and how long have you had it? 

I've been a contract writer at a financial services company for nearly two years, and I try to keep a day a week for other editing work, including some work in early-childhood education and scholarly papers. 

How is freelance editing different from newspaper editing? 

I consider journalism a noble calling. On the desk, we were in a position to ignore egos in the newsroom (our own excluded) and the newspaper’s bottom line to focus on doing the best job we could for the readers. But I’m still ultimately editing for the reader, as are copyeditors everywhere. I’ve always been impressed with the abilities of copyeditors to get to the truth and present it in the clearest fashion, and that approach is universal. The pace of work and the tone of the piece might be different, but the values don’t change. 

What do you find satisfying about your current position? 

I’m satisfied that I’ve put in sufficient sacrifice with early mornings and late nights and countless weekends, working late Christmas Eve so you could get your paper Christmas morning. I’m enjoying a more reasonable work schedule. I love the freedom of being a freelancer while still enjoying an interesting variety in my work. I do learn something new every day, and I look forward to what’s next. 

What resources do you find particularly helpful? 

Google is the first, best tool I turn to. It’s what I use when that little voice tells me something doesn’t quite seem right. It’s the easiest and quickest way to get at the truth. Of course, it’s dangerous to take a Google hit as the final word. It requires care and distrust. 

I subscribe to Chicago Manual of Style Online and the AP Stylebook. I use several dictionaries online and off. I turn to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) for help with basic style guidelines for APA and Chicago. I discuss issues in editing with fellow editors on Twitter, and I follow various blogs, including Copyediting.com, to keep up my game. 

Thanks Mark! 

You can find more of Mark Allen and his copyediting world, including advice and resources for freelancers and an archive of tweeted tips, on his website and Twitter.

Image copyright Sergey Peterman.