Get your facts straight

Do you ever stop to think about whether the information in the newspaper, book, or web page you are reading is correct or true?

Unfortunately, the world has recently seen the downfall of journalists and book authors who fabricated their information.

That is at the extreme end of the spectrum. Toward the other end fall factual errors that could call the accuracy of an entire document into question.

Are you doing your best to ensure the information in your writing is correct?

This is where an editor can be invaluable to you.

Just as an editor checks for grammar and typographical errors and readability, an editor can also double-check spellings of names and places, and ensure information is accurate.

Here are some recent examples I’ve come across while editing:
• Misspelling Aaron Copland’s name
• Misspelling an author’s name in a book promo
• Citing the wrong city as the location of a Marine Corps Air Station

You may be thinking, “So, what? Who’s going to notice?”

You’d be surprised the number of people who would notice. Factual errors like the ones in my examples may cause readers to doubt your ability and credibility.

Whether your project is for school or shareholders, be sure to get your facts straight. Having an editor do fact-checking for you is one way to ensure errors have not crept into your writing.

Visit my website, www.shenandoahwriting.com, to learn more about how I can help you with your next project.

~~Colleen