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Thank you Society for Books and Magazine Editors of Nigeria

Take a second look at that article, report, or email. This is often where the value of an editor lies. An editor or proofreader will help spot missing punctuation, a wordy paragraph, or even an incoherent line. By taking that trained and knowledgeable second look, your editor can save you much pain afterwards.

P.S. Please reach out for editing of your non-fiction articles and content.

Hello everyone,

Here's your non-fiction editor and proofreader reporting for duty.

For your non-fiction articles, essays, reports, books, etc., please feel free to reach out.

WHY YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY MATTERS

Are you working on an academic publication?

You need to pay attention to your bibliography, at least for the following reasons:

1. Your bibliography gives a summary of the current body of knowledge on that topic or subject. This is crucial for further research. When some other researcher wants to expand on that area of knowledge, your bibliography should inform them of the level of research done so far on the area. This provides the necessary foundation for new investigations and further research.

2. The bibliography lists the works you have consulted while researching, whether or not they were referenced or cited in the text (this distinguishes it from a Reference list). It indicates the breadth of your study or research. In other words, did you read widely enough or is your work just a summary of a few thoughts on the topic?

3. By implication, your Bibliography determines the quality of your writing or your publication.

And it is essential to use the right formatting, depending on the style guide in use in your field. This could be Chicago, American Psychological Association (APA), Turabian, etc.

P.S. I make academic and business writings simple and clear.

Over the past three weekends, I have been a participant in a virtual training on 'Writing and Editing for Print and Online Platforms' organized by the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria, with support by Sterling Bank Plc.

It was a richly educative and interactive programme. Aside from discussions and presentations on Storytelling and Magazine Publishing, there were reviews of style and consistency, writing for the web, and fundamental aspects of business structure.

As societies and economies evolve, the need for clear and proper communication remains unchanging. We must also appreciate better what it takes to structure an organization well and run a team effectively. And the various facets of communication, writing, and editing become even more significant with technological developments.

For instance:

1. How can we utilize social media platforms in sharing our stories and writings with a wider audience?
2. How can technology (think of the numerous tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway, etc) aid us in producing clear and readable content?
3. In fact, how can AI be an ally in crafting content, designing publications, and even in running an effective business operation?

Much can be said in response. Nevertheless, it is important to think through these different issues and possibilities, and explore how we can leverage them.

For my own country, Nigeria, I believe there are opportunities in the horizon which are about to emerge. And this is the time to start equipping oneself and developing competence at the interface of communication, technology, and management.

We need to start planting before the rains begin.

I offer proofreading and editing services for non-fiction content.

Dear Writer,

Remember: You need an editor.

Dear Writer,

Keep in mind that writing is a conversation. Imagine yourself speaking to your audience on paper or screen. You want the dialogue to flow with as little hindrance as possible.

In view of this,

Be clear - Don't be vague or ambiguous
Be concise - Don't use 10 words when 7 will do
Be concrete - Give specific figures or values

Have a great week ahead!

Write with the heart,
Edit with the head.