Book Editing Copy Editing Techniques 2

Question 1

In US publishing, how is an em dash typically used?

Accepted Answer

To indicate an abrupt break, interruption, or strong parenthetical emphasis in a sentence

Answer

An em dash signals an abrupt break or strong parenthetical in a sentence (e.g., 'She was sure—absolutely sure—of the answer').

Question 2

What is the Oxford comma and when does Chicago style recommend using it?

Accepted Answer

A comma placed before the final conjunction in a series of three or more items

Answer

The Oxford (or serial) comma precedes the final 'and' or 'or' in a series; Chicago style consistently recommends its use to avoid ambiguity.

Question 3

What does a copy editor do with 'widow and orphan' lines?

Accepted Answer

Flags them for the typesetter to reflow so single lines don't appear isolated at the top or bottom of a page

Answer

Widows (single lines at the top of a page) and orphans (at the bottom) are typographic issues flagged for the typesetter to reflow during layout.

Question 4

When should a copy editor use 'which' versus 'that' in a relative clause (Chicago style)?

Accepted Answer

'That' for defining (restrictive) clauses; 'which' for non-defining (nonrestrictive) clauses preceded by a comma

Answer

Chicago style follows the traditional distinction: 'that' introduces restrictive clauses (no comma), while 'which' introduces nonrestrictive clauses (preceded by a comma).

Question 5

What is a 'dangling modifier' and how does a copy editor address it?

Accepted Answer

A modifying phrase whose implied subject doesn't match the sentence's actual subject; fix it by clarifying the subject

Answer

A dangling modifier (e.g., 'Walking down the street, the trees were beautiful') has no clear subject; copy editors rewrite the sentence to make the subject explicit.

Book Editing Practice Test

Book Editing Practice Test

Book Editing Copy Editing Techniques 2