(Update, 23 Jan: We've got 6 people signed up to proofread the first issue of the Setonian; thanks to all of you. That's enough for this issue. There are 3 more times during the semester, though one of them overlaps with a break -- so if you won't be around, be sure to sign up for one of the other days.)
Each student in EL 150 will volunteer 3 hours helping to copyedit/proofread an issue of The Setonian. It comes out four times a semester, and I'd like to see you spread out over all four issues. At a newspaper, deadlines are extremely important; if a reporter turns in an assignment late, the editors are rushed, the copy-editors are rushed, the layout people are rushed, etc. The schedule and other specific details follow... sign up here if you want to work on the first isse. The Setonian office is on the 3rd floor of Maura (right above the president's office).
What does a copy editor do?
A copy editor checks the near-final draft of a reporter's story, ensuring that all the articles in the paper have a uniform style. He or she is expected to check spelling and punctuation, and accuracy of details such as names and titles (is it "Residence Life" or "Resident's Life" or "Residents' Life"? Is that instructor an assistant professor, an associate professor, a professor, or something else?). Does the reporter refer to "here" or "us" when the proper, unbiased phrasing would be "at Seton Hill University" and "Seton Hill students"?
An editor will have the final say about accepting or rejecting your suggestions, but you can't simply write "This is confusing." Your job is to suggest language that clears up the confusion.
Version 0.2 of my copyediting tips is available online. The Setonian staff also has a list of tips... I'll try to make sure you have access to that list, too.
While exact times may shift around a little bit as the Setonian staffers get used to having "Intro to Lit" students around, here is the tenative schedule for the first issue. Sign up here. I encourage you to get this requirement out of the way -- you will only be busier later in the term.
- Tuesday 1/28 from 8:30pm-10pm Proofreading Session.
- Friday 1/30 Pick-up copy of Setonian at 6pm in the Setonian Office. This
copy must be turned in to the Setonian Office by 6pm Saturday 1/31.
Proofreaders can slide proofread copy under Setonian Office door.
- Sunday 2/1 at 6pm Proofreaders can pick-up copy of Setonian to proof. Copy must be returned to Setonian Office no later than Monday 2/2 at noon.
Okay, Tiffany. 5 people for the first issue sounds good. Everybody else, wait for next time.
I can pick up a copy of the paper for February 1 and return it on February 2...Let me know if that is ok or if now is too early to reserve....
Tiffany
Okay, it looks like we've got a good showing for the first issue.
I'll come on January 30th to pick up the issue.
I can come on Tuesday the 28th
I'll be there next Friday :^)
I can work on this month's issue of the Setonian. The one next Friday January 30th, where I will have to pick up the issue at 6pm.
I would like to work on this paper.