The third edition of Editing Canadian English is now available online. This resource, published by the Editors’ Association of Canada, is a guide for editors and writers who want to establish an appropriate Canadian style.
But much of the content is useful apart from a Canadian context. For example, the section on editorial niches has information for working with online materials. Here are three points to consider when editing or writing for websites:
- scannability
- reading level
- optimization for online delivery
Scannability refers to the way readers view online content. They tend to use an “F” pattern to scan down the page: they look along the top, middle, and down the left side. To make content scannable, put text in short chunks, with an informative subheading for each chunk. Use lists when possible, and keep sentences short.
Aim for an online reading level of grade 6 to 8. For a professional audience, aim for a grade or two below print materials.
Search engine optimization is a niche unto itself, but editors and writers should be aware of using keywords in titles, throughout text, and in links.
Other tips: Looser punctuation is acceptable online (fewer commas!), as is the singular they (gasp!), but recast when possible.
Singular they: If your child has a stiff neck, take them to emergency immediately.
Recast with plural subject: Children with stiff necks need emergency medical care.