7 Editing Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff brings decades of editorial expertise to this seventeenth edition, reflecting the evolving landscape of publishing and communication. You’ll find updated guidance on digital workflows, citation formats for electronic sources like social media and apps, and expanded sections on grammar and inclusive language. The manual also revises punctuation and citation rules to suit both traditional and self-publishing contexts, making it a precise tool whether you’re refining academic papers or managing open access projects. This edition suits anyone invested in mastering the details of style and citation as they adapt to today’s diverse publishing platforms.

Drawing from over two decades as Random House's copy chief, Benjamin Dreyer offers a guide that breaks down the quirks and rules of English with wit and clear expertise. You’ll explore topics like punctuation nuances—from semicolons to en dashes—and the flexible grammar rules that let you start sentences with conjunctions or split infinitives confidently. Dreyer also critiques overused phrases and intensifiers, helping you sharpen your prose by avoiding fluff like "very" or "actually." This book suits anyone who writes regularly and wants to polish their style with precise, often surprising insights, especially those who edit or shape text professionally.

This tailored book on editing mastery explores proven techniques and nuanced approaches to elevate your editorial skills. It delves into the art and craft of editing, covering essential topics from structural clarity to stylistic finesse, all while focusing on your interests and goals. By matching your background and specific needs, this book reveals how to refine content for both precision and impact, addressing challenges unique to your editing journey. The personalized focus allows you to navigate complex editorial decisions with confidence and deepen your understanding of how expert editors shape flawless narratives. Crafted to suit your unique goals, it offers a focused learning experience that bridges expert knowledge with your personal development.

Amy J. Schneider’s decades of experience as a fiction copyeditor inspired this focused guide tailored specifically to novelists and editors working in narrative fiction. You’ll gain detailed insights into managing continuity in characters and settings, refining dialogue, and addressing grammar while respecting an author’s voice. The book unpacks unique challenges fiction editors face, like tracking fictional details across complex stories, with practical solutions drawn from Schneider’s extensive work on bestsellers. It’s ideal if you want to deepen your editing skills within fiction’s distinct demands rather than general nonfiction style guides.

Paul Hirsch's decades-long career as an Oscar-winning film editor informs this detailed exploration of Hollywood's most iconic movies. Drawing on his work with Star Wars, Carrie, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Hirsch offers you a rare glimpse into the editing choices that shape storytelling on screen. Beyond editing techniques, he shares insights into collaboration with directors, casting, and scoring, enriching your understanding of filmmaking as a whole. If you want to deepen your grasp of cinematic narrative craft and the editor's role in shaping film history, this book offers both rich anecdotes and practical perspectives.

Walter Murch's decades of film editing and sound design experience culminate in this insightful essay exploring why cuts work in cinema. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of editing principles such as continuity versus discontinuity, the emotional impact of the eye's blink as a cue, and the evolving role of digital editing technology. The book offers concrete examples including reflections on classic films like Apocalypse Now and The Godfather, helping you grasp both aesthetic choices and practical techniques. If you’re involved in filmmaking or curious about how editing shapes storytelling, this book will expand your perspective without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

This personalized book explores a tailored 30-day plan designed to boost your editing efficiency and precision. It covers essential editing techniques and practical daily exercises that match your specific background and goals, helping you enhance your skills steadily and confidently. By focusing on what matters most to you, it reveals ways to sharpen your eye for detail and refine your editorial judgment with a clear, paced approach. This book bridges expert knowledge with your personal learning needs, offering a custom pathway through complex editing concepts and daily practice. It’s crafted to engage and support your journey toward becoming a more effective and thoughtful editor.

Donald H. Cunningham, Edward A. Malone, and Joyce M. Rothschild bring decades of academic and professional expertise to this thorough guide on technical editing. You learn how to critically appraise documents, develop editing plans, and execute substantive and copyediting tasks with precision. The book digs into nuanced topics like workplace ethics, digital navigation aids, and international English variations, all framed within practical editing workflows. Whether you're refining grammar or managing content systems, this text suits professionals aiming to sharpen their editing craft in technical fields.

Drawing from its extensive legacy as a major news cooperative, The Associated Press crafted this stylebook to codify the principles that shape clear and consistent journalism. You learn how to navigate tricky grammar, punctuation, and word usage while applying the AP's distinct style that newsrooms rely on globally. The book breaks down nuances like when to use "more than" versus "over" and offers a detailed index to swiftly find guidance on topics from capitalization to numeral usage. If you write or edit news, or aspire to join that world, this guide sharpens your precision and helps uphold journalistic standards that matter in fast-paced environments.