01Feb

Some professional news for you: I have decided to move on

Note with the word UPDATE placed on a computer keyboard.

I’m leaving The Athletic and The New York Times Company. The decision is mine. My last day will be Feb. 2.

24Dec

You might as well go to a mom-and-pop store

The inside of a Costco warehouse shows thousands of items but still only a small part of the overall inventory there. The warehouse is huge.

Focus on what will keep you employed and keep your news organization relevant — and in business. Let go of the rest.

10Dec

Due to? Because of? Don’t sweat it, my favorite grammarians say

English colorful flashcards of conjunction words on white background.

I’m here, with professional assistance, to give you one less worry as you work your way through copy or your writing.

09Dec

Not to brag, but I can’t think of a copy editor who can match my skill set

A fully opened Swiss Army knife, or pen knife or multipurpose knife. It's red.

Some thoughts on my career on the ninth day of limbo between my disability leave and my return to work.

04Nov

What is a ‘journeyman’ in the sports world? Is that word in flux?

The band Journey's Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Hollywood, California

This might be it for a while as far as posts about my editing philosophy. More pressing matters are upon me.

03Nov

‘Those Oldies But Goodies’ remind(s) me of this

Bold yellow text reads 'Oldies but Goodies' on a light background. The phrase 'Oldies but Goodies' stands out in bright yellow, emphasizing nostalgia and classic charm.

I went back and forth on how to style the headline without breaking your brain, but I think I broke mine. Click to find out what’s up.

02Nov

‘They’re deep at the quarterback position’ is two words too many

American Football Player Holding Ball, Isolated Vector Silhouette. Team Sport. American Football Player Holding Ball, Preparing For Throwing. Isolated Vector Silhouette. Team Sport.

Unnecessary words? Sure, I can play that game. Let’s talk about “the quarterback position.” Writing “quarterback” is almost always sufficient.

30Oct

Was it twice in 12 days or twice in 13 days? Here we go again, counting

Calendar 2025, 2026. Week Starts From Sunday, Business Template. Isolated Vector Illustration On White Background.

Suppose a hockey team scored seven goals in a game on the first day of this month and did it again on the 13th.

29Oct

‘Only’ the lonely

Assignment: the elimination of unnecessary words. Pretend they cost a thousand bucks each. We’re slashing! We’re cutting!

28Oct

Less? Fewer? Some people seem to think if it’s awkward, stilted, it must be right

Learning To Use Proper Grammar, Blue Road Sign With Words Less And Fewer With Sky Background.

I won’t think less of you if you get this wrong, but I also won’t think fewer of you. Tell me what you think in one sentence or less!

CarlyJDubois.com

Tag: copy editing

Some professional news for you: I have decided to move on

You might as well go to a mom-and-pop store

Due to? Because of? Don’t sweat it, my favorite grammarians say

Not to brag, but I can’t think of a copy editor who can match my skill set

What is a ‘journeyman’ in the sports world? Is that word in flux?

‘Those Oldies But Goodies’ remind(s) me of this

‘They’re deep at the quarterback position’ is two words too many

Was it twice in 12 days or twice in 13 days? Here we go again, counting

‘Only’ the lonely

Less? Fewer? Some people seem to think if it’s awkward, stilted, it must be right