Decoding Editor's Marks: A Beginner’s Guide ✍️

If you’ve ever received feedback on your writing, you may have encountered a variety of editor’s marks. These symbols are like road signs guiding you through revisions, ensuring your work is clear and polished. Let’s decode nine common editor’s marks and see how they can transform your writing!

1. Delete (∅) 🗑️

Meaning: Remove the indicated text.
💡 Tip: Be ruthless when deleting! Less is often more.

2. Insert (↑) ➕

Meaning: Add a word or phrase at the specified location.

3. Transpose (⤵) 🔄

Meaning: Switch the order of two words or phrases.

4. Rephrase 🔄

Meaning: Rewrite the indicated section for clarity or conciseness.

5. Stet (st.) 🔄

Meaning: Ignore the previous correction and keep the original text.

6. Proofread (P) 📖

Meaning: This indicates a proofreading check is needed for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

7. Capitalize (CAP) 🔠

Meaning: Change the specified word to uppercase.

8. Query (Q) ❓

Meaning: Ask a question about the content or request clarification.

9. New Paragraph (¶) 📜

Meaning: Start a new paragraph at this point.

Quote to Inspire:
"Writing is rewriting. A good piece of writing grows stronger through revision." – William Zinsser

Ready to Level Up? 📝

Understanding these marks is just the beginning. Mastering the editing process is crucial for any authorpreneur. That’s why I’m inviting you to my free webinar, where I’ll dive deeper into the business side of writing. Whether you’re self-publishing, going traditional, or exploring hybrid options, this webinar is for you!

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Additional Resource:
For a deeper dive into editing symbols, check out Grammarly’s guide to proofreader’s marks.

Challenge for You:
This week, review your most recent piece of writing and see how many of these marks you can identify and apply. Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #EditingProTips and tag me for a shoutout!

Want more editing insights? Check out my blog on Creating a Media Kit, another essential tool for every authorpreneur.