John Hendrickson

Editing pet peeve: the goofy obsession with the Oxford comma. Oxford enthusiasts—whom I often refer to as "Oxfordnistas"—insist that the serial comma is the ultimate arbiter of clarity and slayer of ambiguity. And they demonstrate this overstated power through a series of reductionist—albeit humorous—memes. Below on the left is one such example. Again, this meme assuredly suggests a moment where a lack of a serial comma may confuse readers. Rather than express a list of the three, the Oxford-less sentence seems to imply an appositive suggesting the exotic dancers are, in fact, Stalin and JFK. But what happens if you change strippers (plural) to stripper (singular). One good contrived strawman argument deserves another, right? On the right is the counterpoint. Here, the sentence with the Oxford comma introduces ambiguity. Is that JFK on stage three collecting singles, or is somebody else? The trick is simple: When in doubt, rewrite. "We invited JFK, Stalin and the strippers." See how this is clearly a list of three? See how I didn't need the comma to do so? Ultimately, the Oxford comma is a stylistic convention, so it is a matter of personal preference. You can also write, "We invited JFK, Stalin, and the strippers." That *also* works. Either way, stop pretending that your prescriptivist take on the Oxford comma is holy writ. #Oxfordcomma

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Here is a link to "Art and Authority," my latest post on Cultural Capital-Art, Politics, and Everything else. https://lnkd.in/ePAqUBja

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The Power of a Pitch "Publishing credentials, well-researched comp titles, and a bit of personalization will certainly help your case, but your pitch is currency." https://buff.ly/3Yv3wqF #writerscommunity #writingcommunity #writerslife #amwriting

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🌍 The Importance of Diversity in Editorial Teams 🖋️ Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential for creating impactful content. Here’s why: Broader Perspectives: Diverse teams bring a variety of viewpoints, enriching the content. Inclusive Content: Reflecting diverse voices ensures content resonates with a wider audience. Innovation: A mix of backgrounds and experiences leads to more creative solutions. Cultural Sensitivity: Diverse teams are better equipped to navigate complex cultural nuances. Embrace diversity to create content that truly connects! 🌟 #DiversityAndInclusion #EditorialTeams #InclusiveContent #Publishing

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With the big publishing houses now consolidated to only five, it's great to see some disruptive movement shaking things up - this can only be good for self-published authors. What do you think? #FriendlyEditor #IndieAuthor #TaylorSwift #SelfPublishing

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The Midpoint (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 7 of 12) via Helping Writers Become Authors #amwriting #writetip #nanowrimo #pubtip https://lnkd.in/ewEiumuZ

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The introduction to a series of articles about creative writing and generative AI has been posted on Medium. The series will look at how ChatGPT 4 and Claude 3 can be used as writing assistants for writers who prefer one of these approaches to writing: - Pantsing Writing Method - Outlining Writing Method - Snowflake Writing Method - Snowball Writing Method - Snowplow Writing Method - Chapter-by-Chapter Writing Method https://lnkd.in/e3zARX-k

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How to self-edit your novel like a pro: the two pillars of storytelling The author's first job, whether they are writing fiction or narrative nonfiction, is to transport readers into their characters' world. https://buff.ly/3C5mE1W #writingcommunity

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When recent grads doing the requisite networking rounds ask me my best advice for breaking into journalism, I always have two words: TRADE PUBS. Many of them have never heard the term, and they’re seriously limiting their job search as a result. Trade publications -- or niche industry news sources for a group of dedicated, well-informed, sector-specific readers -- are a fantastic place to cut your teeth. You’re never just getting coffee or making copies there as a new hire. In my experience, from day one, you’ll be reporting and writing and learning everything you can about whatever the paper covers, be it nonferrous metals (hello, me in 2008!) or telecom or annuities or what have you. Every industry has a trade pub of record, and there’s no better way to learn the ropes fast. And the travel! While I was covering the global metal markets in my early 20s, I traveled to Bahrain, Chile, Germany, Mexico, the UK and throughout the continental US to attend conferences, tour smelters and meet sources. Sure, sometimes, I’d wonder if understanding the world’s alumina trade or China’s flat-rolled steel demand was too niche a skillset. But now, from my perch of senior editor for energy and commodities at Bloomberg News, I realize it was truly the best foundation. On that note, my friend Cliff White, executive editor at SeafoodSource, tells me he’s hiring an associate editor. Employees can be based anywhere in the US (though why WOULDN’T you want to be located in Portland, Maine??) This would be a fantastic way for an early-stage journalist to refine those editing chops and master the skills you’ll need throughout the rest of your career. #jobs #journalism #journalismjobs #editor #maine #seafood #hiring #jobopening #tradepubs https://lnkd.in/dmVwjqJ3

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Many writers and editors think the Associated Press Stylebook is against using the serial (Oxford) comma. That’s not true. AP style *does* recommend using the serial comma in complex lists. For example, if one of the items in a list contains a conjunction, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Fritz enjoys snacking on bananas, cheese and crackers, and ice cream. Additionally, if the items in the list are long, AP style calls for a serial comma. Like this: Helen changed the car’s worn tire before embarking on her big road trip, Raul shined the fenders until he could see his reflection in them, and Sara double-checked all fluid levels. AP does not recommend using a serial comma in a simple list: Dante bought strawberries, sliced turkey and rye bread. This is in contrast to most other style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, which calls for a serial comma in all lists. To learn more differences between AP style and Chicago style, check out Dragonfly Editorial’s field guide on this very topic. It’s titled “AP Style and Chicago Style: 15 Major Differences,” and the link is in the comments.

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After nine years of editing, I'm convinced there's one writing tip that trumps them all: *Knowing what you want to say.* Listen to my new audio blog to learn all about it! 🙂 ___ #writing #editing #nonfiction #businesswriting #corporatecommunications #redacteur #schrijftips #writingtips https://lnkd.in/dg_NVqHY

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It's the 40th anniversary of one of my favorite #StarTrek films, and the strongest argument against the old "only the even-numbered ones are good" theory. In this article, I look back at how #Spock actor Leonard Nimoy got to direct #TheSearchForSpock

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If you haven’t heard… Steve Carter just released a new book called Grieve Breathe Receive. This book is a safe place—a trusty guide—for those trying to make sense of life when it seems to be crumbling. What I love what this book: 1. Steve’s voice, insight, and humility are balm to the soul. Few people like him in this world. 2. This book combines thoughtful reflection with practical steps you can take toward healing. 3. This is a book that mercifully asks the right questions, especially for those too overwhelmed to know what question to ask. Order your copy here: t.ly/xGwFz

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More editorial layoffs. One publisher after another. I always hate Q4 for this reason ... it happens every year, but this year seems particularly brutal. While writers and editors are having a tough time navigating this situation, I've noticed that even veteran publicists seem unsure of how to proceed. Spoiler: This is NOT the time for business as usual. So I drafted some tips for how to modify your PR activities and educate your clients during this difficult time in my latest FREE Substack: https://lnkd.in/gn8vrZp3 Is there anything else you'd add to this list? #PR #publicrelations

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FOR TODAY'S VIDEO: Journalism lessons are figuratively written on the wall and literally written on the whiteboard. Fact-checking, censorship, gatekeeping, bias and other related issues. How can these concepts be best taught? https://lnkd.in/gWjYBBuk

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With the potential for a widening conflict in the Middle East mounting, learn more about Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran from Matthew Levitt, the featured guest on the latest episode of the Anti-Defamation League’s extremely podcast.

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