This content may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products or services that I genuinely like and trust.
One thing about being an editor is how important it is to stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry, as well as how language changes over time.
Although I always recommend that aspiring editors and proofreaders complete training courses before they start looking for clients (and continue to hone their skills thereafter), there are also many excellent websites and blogs out there that provide free continuous professional development opportunities. Many of these websites, including those belonging to style manuals, online dictionaries, editorial societies, and individual editors, publish new posts regularly, packed full of tips and tricks to make us better editors.
Here are some useful blogs for editors to bookmark or subscribe to:
Table of Contents
Dictionaries, Style Manuals, and Usage Guides
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster‘s Word of the Day provides a daily dose of vocabulary enrichment. Each day, you’ll receive a new word with its definition, pronunciation, and usage examples, helping editors stay abreast of language evolution and enriching their editing skills.
The Free Dictionary’s Daily Grammar Lesson
The Free Dictionary offers a Daily Grammar Lesson. This resource provides editors with a continuous stream of vocabulary expansion and grammar refinement.
Chicago Manual of Style’s Monthly Q&A
The Chicago Manual of Style‘s Monthly Q&A offers invaluable guidance on nuanced editorial matters. Through real-world questions and expert answers, editors gain clarity on diverse editing challenges, helping them apply the Chicago Manual’s guidelines accurately and effectively.
CMOS Shop Talk
CMOS Shop Talk, also affiliated with The Chicago Manual of Style, is a treasure trove of editorial wisdom and guidance. With articles covering a wide range of topics, from grammar and punctuation to editing techniques and industry trends, editors can find practical advice and expert insights to refine their craft and navigate the complexities of language and style.
Confused about punctuation rules? I wrote a series of blog posts covering all the main punctuation marks.
How to Use Commas (and Mistakes to Avoid)
Colon vs. Semicolon: When and How to Use Them
How to Use an Apostrophe (and Mistakes You Need to Avoid)
En Dash vs. Em Dash: When and How to Use Them
How to Use Quotation Marks (and the Difference between Single Quotes vs. Double Quotes)
How to Use an Ellipsis: Chicago vs. AP Style
Bryan Garner’s Usage Tip of the Day
Bryan Garner, a renowned authority on usage and style, delivers succinct daily tips to enhance editors’ language proficiency, with a focus on precision and clarity.
AP Stylebook’s Ask the Editor
AP Stylebook’s Ask the Editor series offers clarity on journalistic style and usage. Editors can delve into common questions and tricky style issues faced by writers and journalists, ensuring adherence to AP style guidelines in their editing work.
OxfordWords Blog
The OxfordWords Blog delves into language trends, word origins, and usage insights. Editors can explore articles on linguistic evolution and language nuances, enriching their understanding of the English language and enhancing their editing proficiency.
Editing Societies
Editors Canada’s The Editors’ Weekly
The Editors’ Weekly, by Editors Canada, offers hundreds of articles, resources, and discussions tailored to its members as well as the editing community. Covering a wide range of topics from editing techniques to industry trends, it serves as a hub for professional development and community engagement among editors.
ACES: The Society for Editing
The ACES blog provides a platform for editors to share expertise, resources, and professional development opportunities. Editors can explore articles on editing best practices, industry news, and networking tips.
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)
The CIEP blog, managed by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, offers a wealth of resources for editing and proofreading professionals. With articles covering editing techniques and professional development tips, editors can stay informed and inspired in their editing careers.
Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders, and Indexers of Ireland (AFEPI)
The AFEPI blog, hosted by the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders, and Indexers of Ireland, is a go-to resource for professionals in the editing, proofreading, and indexing fields. Offering tips for freelance success, the blog serves as a valuable hub for Irish editors (and across the world) looking to excel in their craft.
Grammar Websites
Grammar Girl Podcast
Grammar Girl, hosted by Mignon Fogarty, offers quick and digestible insights into grammar rules and language usage. Through its engaging podcast format, editors can easily stay updated on common grammar pitfalls.
Grammarphobia
Grammarphobia, authored by Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman, explores the quirks and complexities of the English language. Through insightful articles and discussions, editors gain a deeper understanding of language history, usage, and idiosyncrasies, enriching their editorial perspectives.
Grammarbook.com
Grammarbook.com provides a comprehensive repository of grammar rules and writing guidelines. With clear explanations and practical examples, editors can quickly reference and reinforce their understanding of grammatical principles, ensuring accuracy and consistency in their work.
Freelance Editors
An American Editor
An American Editor, created by experienced editor Rich Adin and now run by Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, offers thoughtful reflections and practical advice on editing, freelancing, and the publishing industry. Editors can benefit from the authors’ deep expertise and candid discussions on editing-related topics.
Louise Harnby’s The Editing Blog
Someone whom I’m sure you’ve all heard of: Louise Harnby’s The Editing Blog offers a treasure trove of resources for proofreaders and editors. With articles covering editing techniques, business strategies, and self-publishing insights, editors can access practical advice to elevate their editing careers. I have been following Louise since the very start of my career and am blown away by how much of her knowledge she shares freely.
Inkbot Editing Blog by Molly McCowan
Inkbot Editing blog by Molly McCowan provides valuable tips and advice for editors. From business tips to productivity hacks, editors can find resources to enhance their business skills and streamline their workflow.
It’s not just important for editors and proofreaders to learn how to edit; we also need to learn how to run our business since we are most likely self-employed. I created a business planning course for editors and proofreaders called Business Planning Powerhouse, which covers everything from figuring out what kind of editor you want to be to setting your business policies to dealing with difficult clients.
The Writing Resource by Erin Brenner
The Writing Resource, curated by editor Erin Brenner on her Right Touch Editing website, offers expert advice on writing, editing, and grammar. Editors can explore articles on language usage, style guides, and editing tools, empowering them to refine their editing craft and support their clients effectively.
Lisa Poisso
Lisa Poisso’s blog delves into the art and science of effective fiction writing and editing. Editors and writers can discover insights on storytelling techniques, character development, and narrative structure, enhancing their ability to craft compelling and polished content.
The Subversive Copy Editor Blog
The Subversive Copy Editor Blog, written by Carol Fisher Saller, offers witty and practical advice for editors navigating the world of editing and publishing. With a focus on critical thinking and editorial integrity, editors can challenge conventions and excel in their editing roles. This blog is no longer being updated, but it has years of articles that are full of gems for editors.
I hope you found this list of useful blogs for editors to follow helpful. I’m sure I will find many more websites to add to this blog post as time goes on. Can you recommend any that I should check out?
Prefer to use books as resources? Check out my blog post on the books every proofreader and editor needs.
