CCE Querying and Communication Questions and Answers

Question 1

A copyeditor is working on a manuscript where the author has used an ambiguous phrase. Which of the following is the MOST effective and professional way to query the author?

Accepted Answer

AU: 'I'm not sure what you mean here. Could you mean [suggestion 1] or perhaps [suggestion 2]? Please clarify or revise for clarity.'

Answer

AU: 'This phrase is unclear. Please rewrite.'

Answer

AU: 'This is not clear. Rewrite?'

Answer

AU: 'I have rewritten this sentence to make it clearer.' and then making the change directly in the text.

Question 2

A copyeditor is working directly with an author on a tight deadline. The editor has several small, straightforward queries. What is the most efficient method for communicating these queries?

Accepted Answer

Grouping the queries and sending them in organized batches or using the comment feature in the document.

Answer

Sending a separate email for each individual query as it arises.

Answer

Calling the author on the phone to discuss each query in detail.

Answer

Ignoring the queries to save time and making an executive decision on the edits.

Question 3

When is it appropriate for a copyeditor to make a change without querying the author?

Accepted Answer

When applying routine mechanical edits according to the project's established style sheet, such as correcting a typo or a clear punctuation error.

Answer

When correcting a sentence that is grammatically correct but could be phrased more elegantly.

Answer

When changing a character's eye color to be consistent with a description earlier in the novel.

Answer

When a factual statement seems plausible but the copyeditor is not 100% certain it is correct.

Question 4

A copyeditor receives a manuscript from a publisher's project manager. The editor has a question about the scope of the edit (e.g., whether to perform heavy fact-checking). What is the appropriate line of communication?

Accepted Answer

Contact the project manager who assigned the manuscript to seek clarification on the scope of work.

Answer

Contact the author directly to ask about their expectations for fact-checking.

Answer

Make an assumption based on typical industry standards and proceed with the edit.

Answer

Post the question on a professional copyeditors' online forum to get a consensus.

Question 5

Which of the following author queries best demonstrates a polite, humble, and collaborative tone?

Accepted Answer

AU: 'I've noticed this term is spelled two different ways. House style prefers [spelling 1], which I've used for consistency. Please let me know if you prefer another option for a specific reason.'

Answer

AU: 'You must change this. It's incorrect according to CMOS.'

Answer

AU: 'Per house style, serial commas are required. I have added them throughout.'

Answer

AU: 'This paragraph is confusing and needs to be rewritten.'

Question 6

In a nonfiction manuscript, the author states, 'The historic treaty was signed on August 2, 1938.' The copyeditor's research suggests the year was actually 1939. What is the most appropriate and professional query?

Accepted Answer

AU: 'AU: My research indicates this treaty was signed in 1939 (see [source]). Please verify the correct year and advise.'

Answer

AU: 'You have the wrong year here. It was 1939. I've corrected it.'

Answer

AU: 'Are you sure about this date?'

Answer

AU: 'This date seems wrong. Please check all your facts for accuracy.'