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Editing symbols are the universal language of the newsroom—the shorthand that lets editors communicate precise changes without rewriting entire passages. When you're working under deadline pressure, these marks become essential tools for rapid, clear communication between writers and editors. Understanding them isn't just about passing a test; it's about functioning professionally in any journalism environment, from your school paper to a major publication.
You're being tested on more than symbol recognition here. Exams want to know that you understand when and why each symbol gets used—whether you're fixing a grammatical error, improving readability, or adjusting formatting for house style. Don't just memorize what each mark looks like; know what editorial problem each one solves and when you'd reach for it in a real editing situation.
These marks handle the core work of editing: adding, removing, and rearranging text. They address problems of clarity, accuracy, and concision—the fundamental concerns of newswriting.
Compare: Delete vs. Insert—both modify content, but delete tightens while insert expands. On editing exercises, watch for sentences that need both: removing wordiness while adding missing facts.
These marks control how text flows on the page. Proper spacing and paragraph structure directly affect readability—a cluttered or poorly organized article loses readers fast.
Compare: Close Up vs. Space—exact opposites that solve opposite problems. If you see "every thing" (incorrect), use close up. If you see "thegovernor" (incorrect), use space. Always check whether the issue is too much or too little separation.
These marks enforce grammatical rules and publication style guides. Consistent capitalization signals professionalism—errors here undermine credibility.
Compare: Capitalize vs. Lowercase—these enforce opposite rules but serve the same goal: consistency. Remember that AP Style lowercases many titles that look "important" (e.g., "the president said" vs. "President Biden said").
These marks control when to use shortened forms versus full terms. The choice affects both clarity and space—two competing newsroom priorities.
Compare: Spell Out vs. Abbreviate—context determines which to use. First reference typically requires spelling out; subsequent references can abbreviate. Exception: universally known abbreviations like FBI or NASA.
These marks control visual presentation and emphasis. Typography guides readers through your content—bold signals importance, italics signal titles or special terms.
Compare: Bold vs. Italicize—both create emphasis but serve different functions. Bold says "this is important structurally" (headlines, terms). Italics says "this is a title" or "this word is special." Using the wrong one violates style conventions.
These marks help manage the editing process itself. Good editing requires the ability to reverse course—sometimes the original was right.
| Editorial Function | Key Symbols |
|---|---|
| Removing content | Delete |
| Adding content | Insert (caret) |
| Reordering content | Transpose |
| Adjusting spacing | Close up, Space, Move left/right |
| Paragraph structure | New paragraph (¶) |
| Capitalization | Capitalize, Lowercase |
| Abbreviation choices | Spell out, Abbreviate |
| Typography/emphasis | Bold, Italicize |
| Revision control | Stet (let it stand) |
Which two symbols are exact opposites in function, and when would you use each one to fix spacing errors?
A writer has overcapitalized "the Mayor announced new policies." Which symbol would you use, and what AP Style rule does this correction enforce?
Compare and contrast the uses of "spell out" and "abbreviate"—what factors determine which symbol an editor should apply?
You've marked a deletion, but after rereading, you realize the original phrasing was better. Which symbol reverses your edit, and where do you place it?
An FRQ asks you to edit a paragraph for concision and clarity. Which three symbols would you most likely use, and why are they essential for newswriting style?