After examining the related research, it is difficult to conclude with certainty that the use of word processors is always effective in improving writers' revising skills or that their use necessarily leads to the production of higher quality texts. Their effectiveness depends on other factors that psychologists are starting to measure. (110…

Examines whether the computer is an effective editing tool. Reports that a survey of 94 editors shows that 62.8 percent use computers in editing, and even editors who use them also depend on hard copy. Finds that the computer seems to increase the editors' responsibilities, but it remains just a tool. (PRA)

Reports students' perceptions of learning desktop publishing (DTP) systems. Finds that (1) students learned the foundations of DTP in under 60 hours of hands-on experience; (2) the incremental introduction of DTP functions and practice sessions before assignments were the most effective teaching strategy; and (3) use of DTP encouraged nonartistic…

Improvement of writing in the workplace involves both writers and their managers in a systematic process: (1) prepackaging the assignment; (2) delegating; (3) clarifying and focusing the assignment; (4) promoting efficient writing techniques; (5) efficient editing and/or peer reviewing; and (6) reviewing the final document. (SK)

Suggests that editors looking for work can approach companies with some unsolicited editing of the company's own annual report. Suggest what to look for when editing an annual report. (SR)

Describes revision as practiced at a major scientific research and development laboratory. Shows how scientific authors, technical editors, colleague reviewers, and supervisors team up in a collaborative approach in which editors provide substantive revisions early in the collaborative review process. Argues that editors should become involved at…

Argues that the best approach for technical editors is to abandon the language cops' billy club, listen to what the authors want to say, and give those authors friendly expertise, without rigid prescription or blanket condemnation. (SR)

Compares the grammatical structure of original press releases with the resultant placements in daily newspapers. Finds that, in their use of press releases, journalists almost always have to make them simpler, shorter, easier to read, and less passive. (SR)

Discusses the use of spell checking and grammar checking software by high school journalists. Argues that, though they are useful, they are far from foolproof and are used best by students who have been taught the basics of spelling, editing, and grammatical writing. (SR)

Assesses three conflicting views: that the author is the final authority; that the author is incompetent; and that the editor has final authority. Reveals editors' four rhetorical strategies to establish authority: using editorial dialogue, defining the audience, citing authority, and teaching. Classifies editors as having high or low status. (SR)

Maintains that the goal of editing technical writing is not to resist incursions against "correctness" but to facilitate communication. Argues for letting authors use the words native to their own technical idiom. (SR)

Elementary students can become good editors by using editing skills during the writing process. Teachers must present and repeat editing topics in minilessons, provide reminders of particular skills that were addressed, teach students to use editing resources, and expect students to develop proper usage gradually. (SM)

Presents the text of a speech given by Betsy Byars, a children's author, at the Second Annual Celebration of Children's Literature Conference that provides insights into her writing processes. Topics discussed include editing, time frames, the number of characters, naming characters, writing with authority, and books leading children to other…

Discusses the development of "Teaching English in the Two-Year College," a journal designed to serve the special needs of community college English faculty. Discusses success and subsequent growth of the journal and considers the different subject matters addressed throughout the first five developmental years of the journal. (SC)

Outlines the Associated Press' revised guidelines regarding the use of courtesy titles, making them uniform for men and women. Offers an editing exercise for students to practice the new guidelines. (SR)