Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 84 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 83 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 82 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 81 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 80 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 79 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 78 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 77 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 76 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 75 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 74 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 73 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 32 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 72 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:222:\"Got error 28 from storage engine\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 31 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name\";s:5:\"%file\";s:99:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\modules\\taxonomy\\taxonomy.module\";s:5:\"%line\";i:633;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:7:\"warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:177:\"Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\includes\\database.mysql.inc:136)\";s:5:\"%file\";s:86:\"D:\\HostingSpaces\\effectivewords.co.uk\\effectivewords.co.uk\\wwwroot\\includes\\common.inc\";s:5:\"%line\";i:148;}', 3, '', 'http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news', '', '184.73.74.47', 1368957246) in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136 http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/feed/latest-news en Effective Words helps London charity http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/effective-words-helps-london-charity Two reports which were proof read and copy edited by Effective Words have just been released.

Trust for London has worked with Effective Words on a number of projects since 2010.

This latest work involved two reports on Safeguarding Children’s Rights and The Latin American community in London.

Both projects required meticulous attention to detail and fast proofing/copy editing skills.

Changes were highlighted either on a Word document or in a separate document which listed where amendments were required and why. 

Do you have documents to proof read or copy editing and copywriting projects you need help with? Call 01904 765522 or email miketowers@effectivewords.co.uk.

]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:19:46 +0000 ewadmin 84 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Raising your profile on the radio http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/raising-your-profile-radio This morning I visited the newly revamped BBC Radio York studios for an hour of news chat with presenter Jeremy Buxton.

As usual the experience was great fun. We even had a comedy mix up when a key word in a headline I had highlighted was confused with another. So instead of talking about “School Spies Hunting Down Fanatics”, we somehow got onto the subject of “School Spies Hunting Down Phonetics”. In truth it was actually more interesting than the real story and I’m strangely glad it happened.

It was only later that I wondered how I would have coped if this had happened during my first appearance on the show. I’m pretty unflappable but there was a time when I was nervous before every show. Luckily I have since devised some ways to handle the nerves which might prove useful if you’re planning on doing a radio slot.

So if you're considering using local radio to boost your profile, call 01904 765522 or email miketowers@effectivewords.co.uk.

]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:49:32 +0000 ewadmin 83 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Using checklists for proofreading and editing http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/using-checklists-proofreading-and-editing ACES (the American Copy Editors Society) recently ran a piece on why reporters should use checklists to avoid common journalistic errors. Let’s first look at the article before I go on to demonstrate why the same principles can also apply in proofreading.

The idea sounds so simple. Apply the principles of renowned cognitive psychologist and error prevention expert James Reason to copy editing. Broadly speaking, Reason says errors can be minimised if procedures are in place to prevent them occurring. These procedures will usually take the form of a checklist.

“His work is used in airplane cockpits, nuclear reactors and operating rooms, with fantastic results,” said Craig Silverman, editor of RegretTheError.com. “When I discovered him, I realized that his work had not in any meaningful way been adapted to journalism.”

So Silverman set out to discover how checklists can help reduce errors in journalism. After four years he had developed a system which will help reporters ensure they don’t fall foul of common errors such as misspelling URLs and names, or failing to verify sources. Memory isn’t enough for Silverman (and Reason) – the checklist is the only way to avoid human error. Did I say it was simple?

This brings me to proofreading and how these same principles apply whenever I am helping a client bring their paper or magazine or article that one step closer to print. Proofreading by amateurs is a risky business, which is why I draw up a checklist before every project. It usually consists of some or all of the following:

• Bullet points – are they all properly aligned?
• Footnotes – have they been set out in a common font and size throughout the document?
• Font size – should be standardised
• Colons and semi-colons – they must be used appropriately
• Spelling and grammar

Of course the checklist will vary depending on the complexity of the project. There’s no point in having a one size fits all approach to checklists. The 100-page report where there is so much more to try to remember needs a far more demanding checklist than an A4 flyer.

More details on proofreading and editing services from Effective Words are available by calling 01904 765522.

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/using-checklists-proofreading-and-editing#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 08:50:21 +0000 ewadmin 82 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Six top tips for writing press releases http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/six-top-tips-writing-press-releases So you want publicity for your business or campaign and you’ve decided to write a press release. Great. What do you need to know before you start typing?

1. Decide whether your story is actually newsworthy.

Can you point to an achievement such as a large contract with an international or prestigious supplier / highlight a promotion or recruitment of new staff / a new report / an anniversary or other form of celebration / draw attention to your new technology / rebranding / sponsorship of local sports team? These are just a few examples – what’s your angle?

2. Do you have a pitch?

Planning the key elements of your press release is important – because you should always pitch it to a journalist first. Your pitch can be anything from a few sentences which can be emailed to an A4 one-side brief setting out your story in more detail. Now you are ready to try your story out.

3. Find out whether the journalist actually wants your story.

Pick up the phone and explain that you have a story which you think will appeal to the paper’s audience. Now you can pitch your story. Journalists are busy people so be brief but remember to get the key messages across using the pitch you wrote earlier. You’ll soon know if the journalist is interested or not. Promise to email further details if you get the green light.

4. Write a headline which isn’t boring.

Presuming the journalist is keen, you can start writing your story. Some say you should always write the headline last. Maybe, but if one leaps into your head, get it on the page! Just make sure it isn’t “Company does something” (yawn). “Local firm on mission to Saturn” (even if it’s just the small piece of software they created which is actually going on the mission) is much more interesting.

5. Spell check before you send your release.

Nothing destroys a press release’s chances of going from idea to print (or, increasingly, screen) more than spelling mistakes or poor grammar. If you don’t know where the apostrophe goes or how to spell the name of your new Italian supplier, find someone who does.

6. The final check.

This is your last opportunity to iron out any wrinkles. Cut out any unnecessary, flowery words which sound good but are only there because you like them. You’re selling facts, not a romantic tale. Check whether your sentences or paragraphs are too long. Try to keep sentences to fewer than 30 words and paragraphs to no more than two sentences each. Check that headline again. Good luck!

There are plenty of other tips I couldn’t squeeze in here. For more details call 01904 765522 and ask for Mike Towers.

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/six-top-tips-writing-press-releases#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:33 +0000 ewadmin 81 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Effective Words links up with Harrogate-based marketing agency http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/effective-words-links-harrogate-based-marketing-agency loyaltyMATTERS of Harrogate has asked Effective Words to supply the copy for monthly e-newsletters for mortgage brokers and accountants.

Each e-newsletter features an introduction to the hottest news issues of the day and three articles on topics of importance to mortgage brokers and accountants and their customers.

Their ultimate purpose is to position the mortgage brokers and accountants as experts who will provide the most appropriate and cost effective advice and support. 

Call 01904 765522 or email info@effectivewords.co.uk for more information on e-newsletter services from Effective Words.

]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:02:06 +0000 ewadmin 80 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk The difference between copy editing and copywriting http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/difference-between-copy-editing-and-copywriting Recently I had a conversation with a potential client about what he termed his “copywriting needs”. I asked him what this meant and he replied “I have some copy and I suppose it just needs changing.” Immediately I realised he was talking about copyediting, not copywriting. Since the distinction between the two is sometimes not appreciated, I hope these tips help.

According to Wikipedia “copy editing involves correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, terminology, jargon, and semantics, and ensuring that the text adheres to the publisher's style.” Copy editors “may shorten the text, to improve it or to fit length limits” and can also be responsible for adding so-called ‘display copy’ such as headlines and sub-headings.

By contrast, “Copywriting is the use of words and ideas to promote a person, business, opinion or idea.” The implication of the section above on copy editing is that copy already exists in some shape or form. This is not the case with copywriting. I know this because my copywriting jobs start off with a blank page and end with a press release, new web copy or other promotional material.

Incidentally, the potential client became an actual customer soon after our initial conversation. The good news for him is he will pay less than he might have expected for the project because my rates for copy editing and copywriting are different. He won’t forget the distinction between the two now!

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/difference-between-copy-editing-and-copywriting#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:58:32 +0000 ewadmin 79 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Effective Words used on holiday website http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/effective-words-used-holiday-website A new website with copy provided by Effective Words has just been launched. Aleesha Celebrations offer the chance to hold family events, ceremonies and corporate/business meetings on the stunning paradise island of Bali. And if that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of things to do for anyone interested in the rich local culture and sporting/leisure activities. For more details visit www.aleesha-celebrations.com.

]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:27:19 +0000 ewadmin 78 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Why comedy is the best school for writers http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/why-comedy-best-school-writers Some time ago I delivered a presentation on what I call the three Cs of copyediting and copywriting (Clear, Consistent, Concise). To illustrate the case for the three Cs I used examples from the world of comedy writing. It’s just a personal opinion, but I happen to think that the best comedy writers can tell us all a huge amount about writing. As luck would have it, I recently received a text from a mate which contained one of the best examples of the three Cs I have ever seen. Enjoy.

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved". Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance".
 
The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
 
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
 
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender". The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.
 
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides".
 
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs". They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose".
 
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
 
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
 
Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is canceled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.

This is genius from start to finish. Clear (you know immediately what the subject matter is), consistent (there is no deviation from the terror level jokes) and concise (the sentences are crisp and to the point).

Sadly, while this comedy triumph has been attributed to John Cleese, unfortunately he didn’t write it. Here are some clues. First, the words cancelled and neighbour are in American English. Second, because it sounds very Cleese-like lead some people to compare it with his work. Eventually the perceived wisdom of the Internet was it must be by Cleese. In fact, this man was almost certainly responsible. His original work didn’t even include the American English I mentioned, suggesting it has been copied and repeated on the Internet since 2007, usually with Cleese's name alongside it.

You’ll also have noticed the change in the "A Bloody Nuisance" warning level. Here it is blamed on the Spanish Armada; Humberstone chooses the great fire of 1666 as the catalyst.

And last but by no means least is the added material. Humberstone doesn’t even mention Australia and yet here it is. I also found a version where Canada gets dragged in.

Still, it’s brilliant, whoever wrote it. So the next time you’re looking for inspiration, try a comedy writer, show or TV programme. These people know what they are doing, even if you or I have never heard of them.

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/why-comedy-best-school-writers#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:31:20 +0000 ewadmin 77 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Just reading a book about Twitter http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/just-reading-book-about-twitter I’m delighted to say it comes from right here in York and is the work of Helen Stothard, the founder of HLS Business Solutions.

“How to get Started on Twitter and Generate Business” is a quick fire guide to getting the most out of Twitter. The book covers everything from picking the right User Name to setting up your profile, Twitter etiquette and who you should tweet about (Clue: it’s not just about you).

I also discovered some useful tips about Hootsuite but I’ll leave them to Helen to explain. 

The style is relaxed but informative. Twitterphobes should be won over by the easy-to-follow sections. And while I don’t necessarily agree with Helen’s views about commenting too vehemently or expressing political opinions, she is absolutely spot on about swearing or tweeting when drunk.

So how much did this gem cost me? “How to get Started on Twitter and Generate Business” costs just £2.17 and is available via the Kindle app for iPhone and Android phones, or from the Kindle store on Amazon. If this puts you off because you don’t have a Kindle reader, think again. I just downloaded the Kindle software onto my PC as instructed. It works just as well on a home computer, so there’s really no excuse why you can’t get your copy now and give a local author the sales boost she deserves.

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/just-reading-book-about-twitter#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:10:12 +0000 ewadmin 76 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Would these punctuation errors put you off? http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/would-these-punctuation-errors-put-you Recently I received a flyer which was so packed full of punctuation errors that my gut instinct was to dismiss the company and what it offered. Is this a sensible reaction or should I ignore these mistakes?

Here’s the issue: while I’m sure the company in question can provide a thoroughly professional service, they obviously have no idea how to use apostrophes. Go for paper clips, not paper clip’s. Try staplers, not stapler’s. And please don’t try to sell me a printer by advertising them as “printer’s”.

While I appreciate that the company probably has more than one paper clip, stapler or printer, they have fallen into the trap of imagining we can only grasp the concept of more than one or “plural” by adding apostrophes.

The apostrophe signifies “possession” or “belonging” and takes the place of a letter or letters. None of the examples above are clear about who “owns” the paper clips, staplers and printers, so apostrophes are unnecessary.

Of course the worst offence is right at the top of the flyer. It was the first thing I saw and I was genuinely surprised. Here goes: “The benefits’s of buying our products”. An apostrophe and another “s”. Why? The word “benefits” was all they needed. No plural or possession needed.

Needless to say, this company immediately lost all credibility in my eyes. Would you have a similar reaction or am I doing them a disservice? What do you think?

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/would-these-punctuation-errors-put-you#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:44:39 +0000 ewadmin 75 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk An introduction to copyediting and copywriting http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/introduction-copyediting-and-copywriting Training is more important than ever!

Training is an excellent way to add to your skills portfolio and move up the career ladder. It gives you confidence, provides useful skills and resources, and positions you as a valuable asset wherever you work.

Who is this course for?

This half-day course in understanding the basics of copyediting and copywriting is suitable for marketing beginners or anyone needing a refresher in copyediting and copywriting techniques.

Course components

An introduction to Effective Words (20 mins)

What is copywriting? (20 mins)

What is copyediting? (20 mins)

The principles of copywriting and copyediting (30 mins)

How can you apply these principles in your job? (30 mins)

Break (20 mins)

Short copywriting and copyediting exercises (1hr)

Review and tips for the future (40 mins)

Essential information

Available places: limited to twelve per course

Registration: closes on February 20th 2011 for the next course on March 16th 2011.

Cost: £79 (ex VAT)

Special offer: Book places for two people from the same business or organisation for £140 (ex VAT)

Location: York

Book now by calling 01904 765522 or by email: miketowers@effectivewords.co.uk. You will receive a proforma document and a stamped addressed envelope. Your booking will only be confirmed once payment is received.

]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:27:53 +0000 ewadmin 74 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Top 10 copywriting and copyediting mistakes http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/top-10-copywriting-and-copyediting-mistakes 1.     Misspelling a word

Nothing says ‘amateur’ more than lazy and incompetent spelling.

2.     Using long sentences

Keep it to 25 words or below – who wants to read wordy, overlong sentences?

3.     Confusing “That” and “Which”

Here’s a simple rule – if there is a comma or dash (–) before it, the word you’re looking for is “Which”. If the comma or dash seems out of place, choose “That”.

4.     Not checking your work

This is schoolboy (and girl) stuff; if you don’t have time to give your copy the attention it deserves, let a colleague look at it. Never presume it is OK to publish until you are absolutely certain.

5.     Straying off the beaten track

You have a message – stick to it, don’t wander off and expect your readers to follow you.

6.     Be consistent

No, it isn’t acceptable to insist on one formatting style and then adopt another one later.

7.     Don’t like using bullet points?

Fine, present your readers with dense, text-heavy paragraphs and watch them find alternative sources of information.

8.     Write a boring headline

The headline is a hook. Get it right and your audience will stick with you. Get it wrong and they’ll never know what you had to say. 

9.    Failing to put apostrophes in their place

Your and you’re; There, their and they’re. They mean different things.  

10. Prepare a strong call to action

You’ve spent a lot of time and effort writing your copy – and then you let potential customers drift away without telling them what to do. Spell it out however you wish: buy, choose, act now, think again, last chance...

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/top-10-copywriting-and-copyediting-mistakes#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:23:12 +0000 ewadmin 73 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk New Effective Words Website Launched http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/new-effective-words-website-launched The new Effective Words website went live today. Thanks to Explosive Designs for the all-important designing and coding work. The words are, as you would expect, an in-house job.

There’s something about the improved navigation, client testimonials, news and social media links which give Effective Words a dynamic new online presence.

It’s a contemporary and stylish package which reflects the brand values of Effective Words – plain speaking, jargon-free, commonsense editing and writing. No waffle allowed.

What do you think?

]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:09:17 +0000 admin 32 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk The new Effective Words blog http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/new-effective-words-blog Welcome to the Effective Words blog. Over the coming weeks and months I will be presenting new ideas, articles, debates, unusual facts, book reviews and the occasional quirky story right here. Everything you see will focus on common-sense principles in copyediting and copywriting from the heart of Yorkshire.  So there will be some harsh words and some comedy asides to keep the mood upbeat. Whatever your tastes, I hope you will come back and comment on what you see.

Best wishes

Mike Towers

]]> http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/blog/new-effective-words-blog#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:02:25 +0000 ewadmin 72 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Website Copy Project for Paradise Island Holiday Village http://www.effectivewords.co.uk/news/article/website-copy-project-paradise-island-holiday-village Effective Words is to produce website copy for a holiday village on the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali.

The project is for the Aleesha Village site, a location which is perfect for holidays, weddings, birthday celebrations and honeymoons. Aleesha Village staff can organise these events for you in a setting you will never forget.

Aleesha Village also organises tailor-made corporate events, hosts special interest groups, and offers a wide range of sporting and leisure activities.

Come back soon for news about the launch.

]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:40:02 +0000 admin 31 at http://www.effectivewords.co.uk Warning: Table '.\effect\drupal_watchdog' is marked as crashed and should be repaired query: INSERT INTO drupal_watchdog (uid, type, message, variables, severity, link, location, referer, hostname, timestamp) VALUES (0, 'php', '%message in %file on line %line.', 'a:4:{s:6:\"%error\";s:12:\"user warning\";s:8:\"%message\";s:6428:\"Table '.\\effect\\drupal_sessions' is marked as crashed and should be repaired\nquery: UPDATE drupal_sessions SET uid = 0, cache = 0, hostname = '184.73.74.47', session = 'messages|a:1:{s:5:\\"error\\";a:16:{i:0;s:352:\\"user warning: Got error 28 from storage engine\\nquery: SELECT t.* FROM drupal_term_node r INNER JOIN drupal_term_data t ON r.tid = t.tid INNER JOIN drupal_vocabulary v ON t.vid = v.vid WHERE r.vid = 84 ORDER BY v.weight, t.weight, t.name in D:\\\\HostingSpaces\\\\effectivewords.co.uk\\\\effectivewords.co.uk\\\\wwwroot\\\\mo in D:\HostingSpaces\effectivewords.co.uk\effectivewords.co.uk\wwwroot\includes\database.mysql.inc on line 136