Why the world's most famous comma placement is a team sport
In short: Copy editing for a prestige publication is often viewed as pedantic, but Mary Norris argues it is a high-stakes craft of literary protection. This talk explores the rigorous standards of The New Yorker and the philosophy behind the punctuation.
Mary Norris, a copy editor for The New Yorker with over thirty years of experience, describes the role as akin to playing shortstop for a major league baseball team. In this analogy, every minor movement is scrutinized by critics, reflecting the intense pressure to maintain a publication's distinctive style.
Despite a reputation for being a "comma maniac," Norris clarifies that her primary objective is not to be difficult, but to ensure authors look their best. The goal is to refine the prose so that the writer's voice remains the focus, shielded by precise technical execution.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The nit-picking glory of The New Yorker's Comma Queen | Mary Norris
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