This week, we welcome a new copy editor.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Terry Fries most recently was editor of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman in Cranbrook, B.C. He also managed The Daily Bulletin in Kimberley, B.C.
Prior to that, he worked at Yorkton This Week & Enterprise, and the Edmonton Journal. A graduate of the University of Regina journalism program, Fries has also served as a communication officer for Agriculture Canada’s research station in Melfort.
A good copy editor is more than just someone who can read, spell and type quickly. The copy editor is often the main person to tackle stories from reporters, freelancers, news releases and wire services.
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Ten years ago, in a copy of the Bulletin published by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, several editors shared what they looked for in a copy editor.
Some of their answers in the February, 1984 issue are still relevant today:
“A sixth sense and a killer instinct; someone who sniffs, spots or even feels
an error, hunts it down and wipes it out.”
“Love, knowledge and skill in language use; someone who believes readers are entitled to clarity and preciseness.”
“A commitment to accuracy.”
“Determination. Professional pride and tenacity. The soul of an old-fashioned English teacher.”
“… Enjoy the backdrop of newsroom life while breathing life into copy.”
“… A word economist … one who thinks in headlines … one who feels verbs and sees nouns.”
” … Skeptics, preferably those who communicate easily with reporters.”
“… Reads, laughs, loves, hates, and is smart enough to write a clever headline without being a wise guy….”
“Finally, a sense of humor.”
Best wishes, Terry, on your new job, and welcome aboard.
