Comments on: Editing Magazine Articles – 19 Tips From a Senior Editor

By: Norm

Norm — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:20:39 +0000

I pointed this out because “Their” seems to have some acceptance, depending on the style (formal or informal)of the publication. Since this came from an editor that seems to indicate an informal style for “their” publication. Perhaps in another post you could discuss this?

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:30:31 +0000

Actually, these editorial tips came directly from the editor — with minimal editing on my part! So, I left the “their” in that sentence, even though it stuck in my craw. I did debate tweaking it, but decided to let it rest.

I don’t like using “one” — I agree that it sounds pretentious. Like Fraser Crane! lol

My first choice is to use the word “you”, because it’s easier and more personal. But in this case, saying “You need to be concerned about the health of your brain,” is a little too direct. Too targeted, somehow.

I use plurals whenever I can. If I edited the sentence you pointed out, I would’ve written, “Everyone needs to be concerned about the health of their brains.”

Thanks for pointing it out, Norm! I think I love grammar not a bad trait for a writer.

By: Norm

Norm — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:11:08 +0000

Laurie,

Good stuff.

About the sentence, “Everyone needs to be concerned about the health of their brain.” It seems that you are in the “it’s okay to use ‘their’ in place of ‘his’” camp. I like it, but some grammar mavens may frown on its use. I continue to substitute one’s though it does sound slightly pretentious.

Any good work-arounds for the his/her conundrum?

By: Tumblemoose

Tumblemoose — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:27:01 +0000

Laurie,

Rut-ro. As I perused this list, I’m afraid I may be guilty of some. Afraid I’ll have to take the 5th on which ones though

I’ve got this bookmarked for future reference (as I do so many of your posts)

George

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:09:51 +0000

And Ann — thanks for your comment! I’m glad you found Quips and Tips helpful, and would love to see you around the site

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:07:48 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, Maija! I’m guilty of relying on experts more than PubMed — your comment is a great reminder to get back into the research findings….and even verify an expert’s words with current studies.

By: Maija Haavisto

Maija Haavisto — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:58:58 +0000

As a medical writer I firmly believe that everyone writing about medical and health topics should primarily get their information from PubMed (and sometimes experts). Way too many people call themselves “health writers” and they pretty much pull all their information fron WebMD and Wikipedia. If you can’t use PubMed, you have no place in writing about anything that has to do with medicine.

By: Ann Pietrangelo

Ann Pietrangelo — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:37:55 +0000

Laurie,

I came to your blog by way of Twitter and I just subscribed to your feed. So many writing blogs leave me unimpressed, but yours is on my list of blogs to visit on my daily rounds.

Thanks!