Masthead CMC Magazine / May 1, 1996
 Two Years on the Web, by John December

Development Editing

Once we have material, the next step is to develop that material so that it fits the magazine's identity and style. The editor for the issue, or I, or one of the other contributing editors, usually serves as the primary contact for each potential author. Our styles of interaction differ, but we have developed a strong sense of what we are after for the magazine--quality material that is insightful and well-written. We'll send back comments to authors suggesting revisions. If needed, we'll recruit outside reviewers to provide guidance and advice about publication (peer review). In most cases, an author can rework material (or we will) more to what we need. This kind of editing takes a lot of lead time, and it has only been since we've developed an editorial plan have we had the luxury to do more thorough development editing.

Copy Editing

Spelling and technical errors bug me. In an electronic publication, we have the luxury of correcting mechanical errors after publication--even while the reader is reading an article! But I strive for an error-free release on the first of every month. We've reduced the number of spelling and mechanical errors in each issue. Lynne Cooke, who works in copy editing and production, says that once we have worked in more lead-time into every issue, she has been able to do a better job in copy editing. Instead of giving in to the temptation of writing right up until deadline, our goal is to develop a longer life cycle for each issue to able to have the time to do better copy editing. We announce a special issue no later than five months before its publication date. This gives us the lead time to seek out good material and develop it well. ^


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