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Editorzilla

@editorzilla.bsky.social
95 followers 253 following 347 posts

About to submit writing that will go through a copy editor? I'm here to help.

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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Know the difference: reign vs rein vs rain To reign is to be the ruler or king. A rein is a leather tool used to show a horse which direction to turn. Rain is that stuff pictured on Morton salt. All three of these have noun and verb forms. (the reign, to rain; the rein, to rein; the rain, to rain)
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Editing bit: leapt or leaped? It doesn't matter. Pick your favorite. AP Style doesn't even care. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Know the difference: burned vs. burnt Use burned as a past-tense verb. Use burnt as an adjective. “The cat’s burnt whisker suggests he tried to investigate the candle.” “It’s too bad lizards don’t have whiskers. Poor Wallet burned his face while we were in the other room.” #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Editing bit: razor strop A razor strop is a strip of leather that one hangs up and uses to sharpen or smooth a razor. Many people erroneously call it a razor strap. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Know the difference: copyright vs. copywrite A copyright is legal ownership of intellectual property. If you have one and someone else publishes your work, it’s theft. It’s a crime. Someone who issues copyrights is a copyrighter. Continued....
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Either “The reason is...” or “because...” will work. Don't write “The reason why is...” or “The reason why is because.” Concise is cleaner. Example: There were four reasons he did it: The alternative was worse; he couldn’t get the supplies; no one was helping; and he was naked. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Know the difference: utmost vs. upmost It’s utmost. There technically is a word “upmost” but not in this country and not in this century. Example: She is the utmost expert on syntax, and yet people Google her tips in doubt. #EditorsNote
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Carole with an e @crwright.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Having lived through those years, I remember the fear many reporters faced but carried on despite all. Thank you.
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Editing bit: goodbye, goodby or good-bye? Use "goodbye." Example: I don't like the goodbye ritual so I usually pretend I have to go to the bathroom right as my guests are leaving. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Know the difference: illicit vs. elicit If something is illicit, it’s forbidden. To elicit something is to get some information or a reaction out of someone. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Editing bit: prove your mettle That's how you write the expression, which means to show you've got the stuff. Example: Wow, you blew me away in that discussion about transportation economics. You really showed your mettle. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Know the difference: deprived vs. depraved Deprived is denied or lacking something. Depraved is wicked immoral. Ex: He deprived them of ice cream. But those depraved urchins beat him in response. #EditorsNote more...
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Know the difference: reluctant vs. reticent Reluctant means you don’t want to act. Reticent means you don’t want to speak. Examples: I would be reluctant to walk through this grove without my big dog. I wanted to warn that girl not to walk through the grove alone but I was reticent. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Editing bit: ending a sentence with a preposition. This is fine. Go ahead. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Know the difference: credibility vs. credence Credibility is a characteristic of a source of information. Credence is the belief the listener assigns to information. Ex: This newspaper has a reputation for accuracy. It has good credibility. I give her words credence. I believe them. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Editing bit: truly It’s spelled like that. There is no 'e.' Example: I truly appreciate when people bring me ice cream. It makes me weep. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Know the difference: sardonic vs. sarcastic Sarcastic is when you say the opposite of what you mean, in irony and mockery (Ya know what we need? More heat.) Sardonic is when you're negative or critical but humorous. ("You want to be in the Olympics? Doing what, running your mouth?") #EditorsNote
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Elizabeth Everett | Educator & Kidlit Author 📚 @elizabetheverett.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This book follows a kid reporter as he attempts to locate the missing gnus at the city zoo. It's a fun and creative way to teach kids the difference between real news and fake news. A combination of cut paper, pastel, and watercolor creates an intriguing visual package.
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Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · 26/08/2026
The Empire State Building went pink at exactly 9:25pm for Dolly Parton. Because of course they made it 9 to 5. That’s how you honor an icon. 🩷
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Know the difference: suffragette vs. suffragist On this date in 1920 women in the United States won the hard fought right to vote. In honor of that, I offer this #EditorsNote Continued...
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Editing bit: tendinitis This is how you spell the state of acute inflammation of a tendon caused by overusing or injuring it. There should be no "o" in it. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Know the difference: avenge vs. revenge Avenge is a verb meaning to seek or achieve justice, usually on behalf of someone else. Revenge is a noun, a retaliatory act of anger or hatred. Ex: My name is Indigo Montoya. I am on a quest to avenge my father's murder. I seek revenge. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Editing bit: accordance To say something conforms to rules, you can say it's in accordance with the authority, but you can't say it's in accordance to it. I mean, you can, but the editor will change it and mutter about you. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Editing bit: End punctuation goes inside a close parenthesis only if the parenthetical text is a complete sentence. Ex: I am going to AMC (the popcorn is great!) to see "Jaws" (again). I will eat a large popcorn (it's not enough,) but won't share a bag with Sue ("butter" topping, ew). #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Know the difference: razed vs. raised To raise is to lift up, bring up or rear. To raze is to level a structure to the ground Examples: Raise a glass to the amazing human I raised who just got a raise. Crews are razing the old mall this morning. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Know the difference: who vs. whom When it's an object, you use me, him, her, us, them and whom. ("You" and "it" stay the same.) When it's a subject, you use he, she, it, we, they and who. And don't overuse "whomever." Unless it's the object of a verb or preposition, it's "whoever." #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Editing bit: telling of death AP Style: “Use death, die. Don't use euphemisms like passed on or passed away except in a direct quote.” Ex: Jon Sy died Friday in Reno. The 72-year-old was in a fatal traffic collision. “My husband passed away here,” said Jan Sy at the site of the crash. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Editing bit: in the throes That's how it's spelled. Throes, literally, are spasms of deep feeling. So you might be in the throes of a fight or in my case, the throes of enjoying a hot fudge sundae, but you probably wouldn't be in the throes of making a grocery list. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Know the difference: consequently vs. subsequently Consequently means a thing is because of another thing. Subsequently means a thing is after another thing. Ex: We saw “Jaws” with our 4-year-old and subsequently thought 4 was the best age for Jaws-viewing. We guided him. Consequently, he loved it.
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Editing bit: each It's “each is,” not “each are.” Not too confusing. It tricks you though, because you usually have a plural noun between the two words. (Each of those cars goes fast. Each of the sisters has a cat.) Example: Each of these tips is something I change as a copy editor. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Know the difference: a couple vs. a couple of In most cases, you need the "of." But if you add the word "more," immediately, you must omit the "of." Ex: I got a couple of calls today from solicitors saying I qualify for an energy upgrade. There were a couple more calls this afternoon. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Know the difference: flesh out vs. flush out To flesh out is to take an idea and build on it until is something ready to be something on its own in the big bad world. To flush out is to the draw something out of its hiding place, or to use liquid to get bits out of a body part. #EditorsNote
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Rob Bignell, Editor/Author @inventingreality.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
#authorlife #writerslife #writeitdown #amwriting #writingcommunity inventingrealityediting.com/2...
inventingrealityediting.com
Avoid using real product names in story
If thinking about using names of real products in your story, you may want to reconsider. Why?Product names date the manuscript. Soap, for example has been around a long time (and hopefully will be…
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Rob Bignell, Editor/Author @inventingreality.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Writers, Take Heed: Marketing Scammers Targeting You #bookmarketingscam #writingcommunity #authors #fiction #author #writing #amwriting #amediting #writer #booksky #writerslife #indieauthor #shortstory writersweekly.com/angela-desk...
writersweekly.com
"Angela, check out this fake email from Penguin Random House..."
Can you, too, spot the big red flag in under 5 seconds?
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Know the difference: faun vs. fawn A faun is a part-goat, part-human mythological being. Fawn has two meanings: It's a baby deer, and a verb meaning to make a fuss over. Ex: She was fawning all over that bartender, who resembled the faun in the Chronicles of Narnia. I fawned because I was fond.
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Know the difference: cement vs. concrete Cement is powdered limestone with other minerals in it. (It is not your sidewalk.) Concrete is the wet or dry stuff that makes a hard slab for a driveway, patio or sidewalk, usually. Cement is an element of concrete (about 10-15% of it). #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Know the difference: wave vs. waive To wave is to move your hand in greeting, water movement or a swell of something To waive is to agree to skip something Ex: Let's waive the mandate to wave at people wearing leis, but not the fine for wearing a hat with a trout sticking out the front. #EditorsNote
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Tanya Gold | Editor & Translator 💕📚 (they/iel) @tanyagold.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
My editorial promise: I'll work to strengthen, highlight, and amplify your vision for your story, your message, your voice. Developmental editing is listening, understanding what you want your work to be, and helping you get there. #AmEditing
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Editing bit: misspellings Google keeps track of the most commonly misspelled words in America by state. For instance, people in Hawaii most frequently misspell “people.” The words I have had to edit the most are “weird” and “definitely.” I usually see it misspelled as “defiantly.” #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Editing bit: grateful That’s how you spell it. Correct: I put these out here for those who want to know, and many tell me they are grateful to learn them. Incorrect: I would not ever correct someone who wasn’t paying me to do it. No one is ever greatfull to be spontaneously corrected. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Vocabulary word: muselet A muselet is the little cage around the cork on a bottle of champagne. (It’s pronounced “mew-suh-lay” or “wire thingy.”) It was created in the form we use today in 1844 The term comes from the French word that means to muzzle. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Know the difference: prospective vs. perspective Prospective is an adjective meaning possible or expected. Perspective is a noun, meaning relative point of view. Examples: My prospective tenant wears weird shoes. Maybe from her perspective they're normal. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Editing bit: The word is not "orientated;" it's "oriented." #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Editing bit: gyp This is how to spell the slur that means to cheat someone out of some money or goods. The erroneous spelling "jip" is common. This term is derogatory against gypsies, reputed to come into a town and sell potions or trinkets they claimed had powers they did not have. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Know the difference: collusion vs. conspiracy A conspiracy is 2+ people deciding together to do crime. Collusion is 2+ people joining for evil. Conspiracy is a legal term. Collusion is not. You can have collusion without it being a conspiracy, but all conspiracies start with collusion. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Editing bit: starting a sentence with a conjunction Many people have an impression it’s not OK to begin with “so,” “and,” “but” or “or.” They are wrong. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Know the difference: inter vs. intern; interment vs. internment To inter is to ceremoniously bury a body. To intern is to hold a prisoner. An obituary usually will tell you when the interment will be. An internment camp may be a place during war where people are held. #EditorsNote
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Vocabulary word: epizeuxis It’s when you repeat a word for emphasis. That tree is dead dead. I spent the week sick sick. Since I learned this word, I have noticed how often people employ epizeuxis during the day. It’s common common. #EditorsNote
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CG Stewart 🖋️ 🫜 @nightoffallengods.com · 25/05/2026
Man I really hate to admit it, but all the folks who told me to read my novel aloud to edit it really were right. Damnit. #WriteSky #WritingAdvice #Editing
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Editorzilla @editorzilla.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Know the difference: coffin vs. casket A casket is shaped like a rectangle. A coffin is six-sided, built as if the deceased has massive shoulders that need to be accommodated, which I’ll bet has never happened. Caskets are generally used today; coffins are usually in Halloween cartoons. #EditorsNote
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