Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations

Hiya Reader,

I love my morning coffee. I NEED my morning coffee. My morning coffee is black, medium roast, and hot enough to shock me awake. I also enjoy tea, dark chocolate, the occasional soda of the brown fizzy variety.

So, imagine my horror to learn that it is actually possible to die from caffeine consumption! (Granted, I don't come anywhere close to a toxic level of daily caffeine, but I nevertheless appreciated this sobering reminder that although common and legal, caffeine is a drug.

Consume it wisely, my friend.

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Example of the Week

Sometimes this is a good example—or a great one. Sometimes this is a bad example—or just a funny blooper. Sometimes a combination. You never know.

Thanks to reader SK for sending this to me.

One dollar sauces for fifty cents, on sale for twenty-five.

Huh?

Clarity is kindness for your audience.

Actionable Tip of the Week

A trick to add to your self-editing toolbox right now!

If you are among those who struggle with description, this week's actionable tip is tailor-made for you. Read it here.​

Reader Question of the Week

Colleen wrote: It’s a little embarrassing, but I’m not really sure I understand what a developmental edit is for or why I would want/need it. I also don't quite get the difference between a copy edit and a line edit. Is that just two ways of saying the same thing?

Colleen! Don't be embarrassed. I promise this is not the first time I've had these questions, and it's unlikely to be the last! Continue reading...​

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Link of the Week

A super interesting test to finally settle the question Dennis Miller once posed in his standup routine: ​"How do I know if the color blue to you is the color blue to me?"​

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I ❤️ Hearing from You!

Comments? Just reply to this email or click this link. I respond to every email—that's a promise.

Thanks for reading!

~Helene, your writing sherpa

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P.S.

Have a project in need of developmental, line, or copy editing? Let's talk!

Here's just one testimonial from a satisfied client: “I finally found time to give your comments the attention and respect they deserve. In doing so I find that your written notes and side edits are extremely helpful, both those that point out what works and those that indicate what still needs refining. You were clear, specific and spoke to issues that resonated with me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your insights and comments. I am so grateful.”

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