Editing Habits: An Interview with Erin Brenner

In this interview, we ask Erin Brenner ten this-or-that questions. From choosing between the Oxford comma and its rebellious absence to wielding the red pen like a literary aficionado, Erin takes us on an exciting ride through editing tools and preferences. 

Track Changes or Comments: Which editing feature do you find yourself using more often?

It depends on the level of editing I’m doing. When I’m doing a developmental edit, I use Comments a lot more than Track Changes; that’s just the nature of the work. But for all other levels of editing, I’m using Track Changes far more than Comments. 

Oxford Comma or No Oxford Comma: Where do you stand in the great punctuation debate?

In my own writing, I use the Oxford comma. I like not having to consider whether it’s needed or not. It’s just there. But when I edit, I always accommodate my client’s preference.

Pen and Paper or Digital Editing: Which method makes you feel more in control of the editing process?

I’m a digital editing person. I spent perhaps the first year of my career proofreading on paper (and mechanical boards!) before my employer transitioned to computers. I love the flexibility and efficiencies of digital editing and can’t imagine how I’d do as much editing on paper.

Grammar Police or Grammar Vigilante: Would you rather correct someone’s grammar directly or from the shadows?

As my pal Amy Schneider says, my editing eye is coin-operated. People have different ways of talking and writing, and we all make mistakes, especially when we’re composing our words as we think up our ideas. I don’t correct anyone’s grammar unless I’m paid to do so.

Spell Check or Manual Proofreading: When it comes to catching errors, which method do you trust more?

Human proofreaders for the win! A spellchecker is a great support tool, but it’s not going to catch a there when a their is meant.

Editing Marathon or Editing Sprints: Do you prefer to tackle a project all at once or in short, focused bursts?

I like to stay in the zone when I can. I’d rather spend a whole day working on one project, digging in deep. Now that I run an agency, though, I’m doing less editing, so I tend to do editing sprints.

Red Pen or Blue Pen: Which colour do you wield when making those critical edits?

Red, all the way. It stands out better.

Silent Editing or Background Music: Do you need complete silence, or do you prefer a soundtrack while you work?

An instrumental soundtrack, please. I can’t edit to music with lyrics; I find the lyrics too distracting. Non-English lyrics would be an exception, especially opera. I listen to a lot of classical music and scores from films, TV, and games. My favourite is the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack. The drums really drive my editing brain!

Editing Fiction or Non-Fiction: Which genre do you find more enjoyable to edit?

I started my career proofreading non-profit mailing packages, and I’ve stuck with non-fiction ever since. I copy edited two novels when I first started freelancing, and I just didn’t enjoy it. I’ve always been a huge fiction reader, but I don’t want to edit it.

Early Morning or Late Night: Are you an early bird who catches the editorial worm, or do you prefer burning the midnight oil for your edits?

I’m definitely an early bird. Now that my kids are grown, I’m getting up early for a workout and getting to my desk while others are still having their first cup of tea. When a deadline looms, I’d rather start work at 6 am to squeeze in more time than work into the evening. 

About Erin

Erin Brenner smiling, wearing glasses

Erin Brenner is the owner of editorial services firm Right Touch Editing, which specializes in providing small and midsized organizations with writing and editing teams. Additionally, Erin provides freelance editor coaching and website reviews through Archer Editorial Training. She shares her expertise through her blog, The Writing Resource, and by speaking at industry conferences. Erin is the author of CIEP’s Marketing Yourself Guide (with Sarah Hulse), Copyediting’s Grammar Tune-Up Workbook, and 1001 Words for Success: Synonyms, Antonyms & Homonyms. Her book, The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-up to Sustainability, will be published by the University of Chicago Press in spring 2024. Find Erin on the web at https://linktr.ee/erinbrenner.

Registration is still open for Erin’s session, “Build Your Freelance Editing Business Website.” 


Interview by Lola Opatayo; Copy editing by Myriam Beaugé

Myriam Beaugé is founder and principal of SWYM Communications. She specializes in stakeholder engagement, content development, and strategic communication focused on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). An experienced writer and editor, Myriam holds an MA in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University. Connect with her via LinkedIn and at SWYMcommunications.com.

Lola Opatayo is a creative writer, communications professional, and editor. Her creative work has been featured in Obsidian, The Best Small Fictions 2020, Isele, and elsewhere. Lola is the founder of WordCaps, where she empowers small businesses and writers with writing strategies and resources.