preparing the copy

and
copyreading
Creative Nonfiction
Lesson OBJECTIVES
01 02 03 04
Know the Apply unit Familiarize Copyread a
duties of a counting and copyreading given article
copyreader use printer’s symbols using the
directions appropriate
when copyreading
preparing a symbols
copy
what is copyreading?
A copy is the typewritten material sent to the linotypist
or computer typesetter to be typeset
Reading is editing or correcting errors done by the
editor or copyreader
Copyreading is much like the work of an English teacher
correcting compositions, except that the copyreader
uses appropriate copyreading symbols universally known
by printers
what is copyreading?
A copyreader corrects:
errors in grammar
(include spelling, punctuation, capitalization, subject-
verb agreement, tenses, etc.)
errors in fact
(e.g. when the reporter call the principal an assistant
principal, or when he gives the wrong middle initial)
errors in structure
errors in style
what is copyreading?
In copyreading a news report, the copyreader should:
see to it that it begins with the proper lead and that
this lead contains the most important facts

see to it that paragraphs are arranged according to

decreasing importance following the inverted triangle

kill or eliminate words that tend to editorialize

cross out redundant words and verbal deadwood

preparing the copy
This is chiefly the reporter’s concern as it is he who types his own stories

1. Use a typewriter or computer; never submit in longhand

2. Type on on side of the sheet only and in double space

3. Begins a news story about three inches from the top of the page

4. Indent the beginning of a paragraph with at least five (5) spaces

Identify on the first page the story with a slugline-the name of the
5. paper, words identifying the story, the reporter, and date

Type the word “More” at the bottom of each page except the last,
6. where he has to indicate the end of the story with a “30” or # mark.
duties of a
copyreader
See that the paper’s style
requirements are strictly
A copyreader goes over the story once to followed.
get a general idea of what it is all about.
He also formulates the headline.
Check names, addresses, titles,
designations, identifications,
Straighten out ungrammatical figures, and others.
constructions

Rewrite the story completely if

Shorten sentences and tighten it is poorly written.
paragraphs.
duties of a Delete all opinion, speculations,

copyreader
and statements which are
without attribution or sources

Rewrite the lead or the first or

the first few paragraphs Watch out for libelous
whenever necessary, but must statements.
not tamper with the facts unless
he is sure of his corrections. Recheck figures and totals.

Watch out for slanting or any Cross out adjectives which tend
attempt to present the story in to make a story sound
a subtly biased way. overwritten.
duties of a
copyreader Challenge facts, claims, or
reports when they sound
anomalous, illogical, and
Cut a story to size or to
incredible
required length if need be.

Check attributions and see to it Write headlines

that they are properly identified.

NOTE:
Check sluglines and paging In copyreading, the corrections are placed inside the
text where the errors have been committed, while in
sequences proofreading the corrections are placed in the
margins
unit counting in headlines
A headline should fit the allotted space by a system of unit counts given to each
letter, figure, or space. This is done to avoid a thin head, a fat head, or a
bleeding headline (one that extends out of the column or page).

The corresponding unit counts are given as follows:

1. 1/2 unit - jiltf and all other punctuations except the em dash (—), and the
question mark (?)

2. 1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILFT, all lower case
letters except jiltf

3. 1 1/2 units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except
capital M and W and JILTF
unit counting in headlines
A headline should fit the allotted space by a system of unit counts given to each
letter, figure, or space. This is done to avoid a thin head, a fat head, or a
bleeding headline (one that extends out of the column or page).

The corresponding unit counts are given as follows:

4. 2 units - the capital M and W

NOTE: Unit counting in headline is used only in Letterpress Printing. In Computer

Printing, there is no need for counting units; the computer does the work.

SAMPLE PRINTER’S DIRECTION

Write a one-line headline occupying 3 columns, 42 points high, bodoni bold
type, cap, and lower case.
3 — 42 — bb —clc
unit counting in headlines
Preparing a headline schedule
(For Letterpress Printing)

Every student editor should be acquainted with the types used by

the printing press where his school paper is being printed. In this
way, he can set p a headline schedule to be followed by the staff.
Preparing a headline schedule
Common errors to correct/
delete/change/rewrite
Errors in fact Redundancy
Seditious/Rebellious
materials
Errors in grammar Verbal deadwood
Vulgar and indecent
Opinion in News words
Errors in correct usage
(Editorializing)
Contrary to good taste
Wrong use of adjectives or law Errors in structure

Derogatory statements
Libelous matter Errors in style
proofreader’s marks
proofreader’s marks
proofreader’s marks
proofreader’s marks
proofreader’s marks
Copyreading symbols
1. Punctuation Marks

emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”

emphasize period Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.

emphasize comma said, “I must go.”

Copyreading symbols
2. Numerals and abbreviations

Spell out November

Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruz

Use numeral 20 boys

Spell out two girls were...

Copyreading symbols
3. Special form of type

Capitalize MANILA, Philippines

Change to italics Reader’s Digest

Change to boldface Test III

Copyreading symbols
4. Letters and word change

Bridge over meet Saturday

Close up space those boys

Transpose Principal Fe Cruz

Insert letter pamphlet

Insert word avail himself of

Copyreading symbols
Lower case manila paper

Delete true

Delete letter within judgment

Delete letter before/after

Insert space All right we have time

Run in copy
considered happy. This is so because...
Copyreading symbols
5. Others
Indent for paragraph
Paco, Manila
Today, he will...

Spell as written Welfrido Kruz

Story unfinished

Story finished
Copyreading symbols
Center subhead
Elected prexy

No paragraph
but he said...

stay as is; disregard correction

Insert quotation marks

“I did it,” he said.
Instructions to copyreaders
1. Use a soft, black pencil.
2. Write your corrections, changes, subheads, and headlines so
that they can be read quickly and correctly.
3. Ring or encircle the the slugline, “More”, “30” and all other
instructions to the printer called printer’s directions or
specification.
4. It is better to erase penciled marks that you wish to cancel than
to cross them out.
5. If many changes are made, it is better to retype. Then go
over the copy again for errors.
6. Turn out legible copies always. Make it as neat as possible.

When the copy leaves your hand, it should be in final form.

Dirty copy means a lazy copyreader.
Remember:
A well-edited paper saves the paper from
criticism and the editors from libel suits and
embarrassment. Finally, it helps the newspaper
bring accurate information to the reader.
THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING!