CCE Style Guides & Editorial Standards 2

Question 1

What is the correct way to handle an inconsistency in spelling (e.g., 'gray' vs. 'grey') found throughout a manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Choose one spelling based on the appropriate style guide and apply it consistently, noting the decision on the style sheet

Answer

Consistency is a core copyediting principle. The editor should select the spelling appropriate to the style guide and language variant (American or British English) and apply it uniformly throughout.

Question 2

What is 'house style' in publishing?

Accepted Answer

A publisher's specific set of editorial preferences and standards that may differ from general style guides

Answer

House style refers to a publisher's internal editorial standards that supplement or override general style guides (like Chicago or AP) on specific points such as spelling preferences, formatting, and terminology.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'cold read' in copyediting?

Accepted Answer

Reading the manuscript from start to finish without making changes to understand its content, structure, and potential issues

Answer

A cold read allows the editor to experience the manuscript as a reader would, identifying structural issues, inconsistencies, and areas of confusion before beginning the detailed line-by-line editing process.

Question 4

According to standard editorial practice, how should a copyeditor handle passive voice in a manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Flag excessive or unclear passive constructions but do not automatically change all passive voice to active

Answer

While active voice is generally preferred for clarity and directness, passive voice is sometimes appropriate (scientific writing, when the actor is unknown, or for emphasis). Editors should use judgment rather than applying a blanket rule.

Question 5

What is a 'widow' in typesetting and editorial work?

Accepted Answer

A single line of a paragraph left alone at the top of a new page or column

Answer

A widow is a single line of a paragraph that appears by itself at the top of a page or column, separated from the rest of its paragraph. Widows (and orphans, at the bottom) are considered typographically undesirable.

CCE - Certified Copyeditor Practice Test

CCE - Certified Copyeditor Practice Test

CCE Style Guides & Editorial Standards 2