Clemson Veteran Living Library: Editing Standards

January 6, 2021

Purpose

The Clemson Veteran Living Library is intended to provide Clemson veterans and military-connected community a space to share their stories. Because this platform is sponsored by Military & Veteran Engagement, we must be mindful of what is being posted. Thusly, we have created this document to help potential authors to understand the CVLL editing procedures.

Editing Ideals, Checklist, and Procedures

The CVLL aims to edit each story as little as possible. The primary focus of this editing standard and checklist is to ensure that the stories are understandable and readable, and that they meet certain content standards.

1. The editing process begins with the initial review and edit of the submission. During this time the CVLL editor will complete the following checklist:

• Read through the entire submission. Can you identify what the author is trying to say? If so, continue to the next step. If not, contact the author with questions.
• Review the work for any acronyms and expand any that would not be known outside of the military (i.e. PCS, TDY, MOS, etc.).
• Review the work for any specific job jargon and change as needed.
• Review the work for any profanity and change as needed.*
• Review the work for any slang, and change as needed.

*Profanity is any foul, vulgar, or sexual language that does not contribute to the story in a meaningful way (as defined).

During this process, CVLL editors will follow the guidelines carefully and will strive to edit as little as possible to allow the story to be told as the author intends.

2. After completing the initial edit, the CVLL editor will send the edited story back to the author for review. The CVLL editor will offer to meet with the author (via phone call, zoom, or in person) to discuss any changes made. At this point, the author can either approve the document, discuss further changes, or send another version of the story back for review.

• Each time the author submits a new version, the editing process begins back with step one until the author and CVLL editor come to a consensus.

3. Once all content is confirmed, the final product will be sent to a second CVLL editor for final review. This is a precautionary to step to ensure that nothing was missed during the initial editing process. If there are changes needed, the editors and author will work through those together. If no changes are needed, you will be notified and your story will be shared on the Clemson Veteran Living Library!