Arthur Plotnik is an arch stylist, which made this book at least partly worth reading.

Originally published in 1982 and apparently never revised in subsequent editions (like its namesake, The Elements of Style, which is now in its fourth edition), this book, needless to say, has become quite dated. It's hard to imagine, for example, in the era of digital cameras and laser printers, that an excursus on half-tones remains necessary for editors. Likewise the relatively lengthy exposition on 35mm cameras. I'd hoped for something different.

Still, I enjoyed the use of some forgotten editorial terms from my high school years (does anyone ever need or use a non-reproducing blue pencil these days?). And, as I said, Mr. Plotnik's style is a pleasure to read. In the final analysis, I suppose, the most succinct thing I can think of to say about The Elements of Editing is that it is of historical interest.

Informative, if now somewhat dated, basic grounding in the editorial process. ( )

I wish I could find a more current updated version of this book. The Elements of Editing is perfectly edited. Of all the books on writing I've read this one cuts the fat and is nothing but what I need. There are no long winded stories and analogies that go on for paragraphs and pages. Nope, every page of this book had a post it for notes and the notes were straight forward. Just think of when you read reviews that say, "They could of said it in half the pages."

Plotnik says it in half the pages...and it is still entertaining. ( )

Plotnik was the editor of American Libraries for many years. This is a good basic guide to what editors do and how they go about it. If you are new to editing or new to writing, I recommend it. ( )

http://www.i-reports.info/b/B199304.html ( )