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GOOD ENGLISH IS GOOD BUSINESS
Poetry
True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learned to dance.
'Tis not enough no harshness gives offense,
The sound must seem an echo to the sense.
—Alexander Pope, “An Essay on Criticism”
Editing poetry invites a light hand that neither
embellishes nor misrepresents meaning. Rather, editing
poetry ensures that intended meaning is conveyed by
correcting punctuation, spelling, grammar, and
inadvertent omissions — but not unconventional usage
such as to memory.
Here are some before and after examples:
I trace the stars
to memory.
I hold this moon within
my heart.
I am caressed by
dreams-
To
sweet to let go.
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I trace the stars
to memory.
I hold this moon within
my heart.
I am caressed by
dreams—
Too
sweet to let go. |
The desire of a slow
Burning star -
Is light upon light as it greets
You and
I. |
The desire of a slow
Burning star -
Is light upon light as it greets
You and me. |
And from your parting touch
A whisper spoken
A whisper
Heard --
May I live once more
Your sweetest
Prayer…
“To listen well
your
loving
words.” |
And from your parting touch
A whisper spoken
A whisper
Heard --
May I live once more
Your sweetest
Prayer…
“To listen well to
your loving words.”
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From 2002 to 2004 poet Eric McCarty sent me four
collections of poetry: Does God Have a Hero? This Is
How It’s Done, Dancing Molecules, and I Am This
Close.
On December 15, 2009, he wrote, “I am still writing and
hope to put together another book in the beginning of
the new year - I would be happy to use your services
again.”
In November 2002 he wrote:
I feel truly blessed to have found Janis Holmberg again.
Janis edited my very first book,
Does God Have a Hero? with a true
understanding of the needs of a first-time author.
Unfortunately, I lost track of Janis. I have worked with
several other editors on projects and subsequent books,
and while their technical expertise was appreciated, I
failed at developing a sense of rapport that is so
essential in a writer/editor relationship. By a series
of fortunate coincidences I was led to Janis's Web site
and reestablished contact with her. This truly was a
gift! With total confidence I was able to turn my new
manuscript over to Janis and allow her to work her
magic. I will not lose contact with her again!
Eric Paul McCarty
Persuasive Pen
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