Published: March 23, 1996
Last Updated: March 23, 1997
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Copy editors see quality threatened as their time is squeezed, their jobs are redefined and their tools are replaced. Anything editors can do to master technology and reclaim control of their time can translate into improved quality.

• Speed editing and improve the final product by involving copy editors early in the story process.

• Get a representative of the desk into late news meetings. Sensitive news decisions may affect the desk later.

• Evaluate every activity in the newsroom, and cut those with little reader value.

• Develop a checksheet to ensure that an editor has scrutinized every element of every page.

• Talk to reporters. They don't come to work intending to write bad stories.

• Steal minutes. Look throughout the day for things to do.

• Edit shorts and write tentative heads early.

• Have copy editors set their own standards and goals. They will tend to meet them.

• Protect editors physically by encouraging short breaks, walking around, stretching.

• Befriend the technology. In the end, it saves time.