Editing economics writing

Many people might feel that the subject of economics is not something in which they are interested; that it is a subject for business people or academics, but has no bearing on their lives.

But that would be to miss the fact that economics seeps into the very fabric of our daily lives, whether we are conscious of it or not. Who is not affected by:

• food prices
• oil, gas and electricity prices
• movements in house prices, mortgage interest and rent
• movements in share prices and investment rates of interest
• imports and exports, and their impact on jobs
• the rate of inflation
• political stability
• wage freezes and changes to pension terms
• vibrant retail and production conditions
• national and international events
• a host of other daily events.

Each of these topics has a life of its own, but collectively they all contribute to the subject of economics. Furthermore, they are all interrelated, and throughout every day they bring their influence to bear on each other; movement in one invariably causes movement in another.

So, whether or not it is realised, we all are subject to economic activity. We bask in the glow of positive and growing economic conditions, or we shiver in the wintry climate of a depressed economy.

What has this to do with copy-editing and proofreading? Well, it is important to recognise that although the topic of economics is of particular interest to those in the business, financial and political worlds, there will be many others who may avoid reading about the economy without appreciating how it impacts upon their daily lives. It is important for the editor to be aware of this, and to ensure that non-academic economics writing is presented so as to appeal to a wider readership, especially those who feel ‘it is not for them’.

How to achieve this? By making sure the writing:

• uses plain language
• explains the topic coherently
• gives examples which place events in the context of everyday life
• explains the impact that events may have on life tomorrow
• is practical, without being alarmist
• encourages the reader to think, and perhaps to consult further.

So how is this different from editing any other subject? In reality, it isn’t, as all writing should conform to the above. The difference here is that many people may not recognise how their lives are affected by economics, and in the current climate particularly it is vital for as many as possible to be interested in and understand the events that shape their destiny. Keeping this in mind whilst editing economics writing may be just what is needed to encourage more people to feel that, yes, they are interested in this subject, and that ‘it is for them’.

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