Editorial Support

All submitted content that is to be posted on the CCA website must be approved and signed off by the web editor / content manager.

Although all submitted content should be as close to "final" copy as possible, additional copyediting ensures the content is accurate, web-readable (i.e., web content reads differently than print material), and reflects the CCA style guide, among other considerations.

CCA adheres to the following for editorial guidance:

• The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition
• Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition

Note: while accuracy is our goal, it is the responsibility of the submitting party to thoroughly fact-check all documents: dates, spelling of proper nouns, URLs, and titles (exhibitions, books, films, performances, etc.), to name just a few examples.

Remember, the less amount of work a document requires, the better the chance the project will stay on schedule. And while it's true errors on the website can be corrected with relative ease, it's far easier to avoid them in the first place.

Copyediting ranges from light to heavy, depending on the manuscript:

• Light editing addresses correcting grammar, spelling and punctuation, capitalization, number treatment, word usage, and various other typographical concerns.
• Moderate (or medium) editing entails revising text to avoid repetition, improve transitions, and enhance overall readability, tone, and logic.
• Heavy editing involves all of the above in addition to more substantive changes, such as reshaping the manuscript through judicious cuts and reorganization for readability. Additional information may be requested in order to ensure the manuscript is complete.

Also, discuss in advance how to best work together (i.e., if going over changes verbally is preferred to email, let the editor know at the start of the copyediting process). While having an email trail or other paper trail of edits is essential to the editor, often the process of negotiating a particular edit can be accomplished over the phone or in person.

Writing & Style Guidelines

Remember, artwork, exhibitions, periodicals, book titles, and almost all complete, standalone works (i.e., short films, plays, journals) are italicized. Learn other guidelines, rules, and CCA preferred style choices in the CCA Style Guide.

Got a pesky editorial question?

Ask the web editor