Grambling State University has been known for producing famous coaches, football players, band members and even models. It also has a more intellectual side among us, as shown by one of our own professors. Journalist, professor, adviser, and now author Dr. Gene Murray has written his second book, which is titled Effective Editing. The book is designed to help future journalists strengthen their skills as copy editors in the field of mass communications. The main focus is to help sharpen skills in grammar, punctuation, and style.”I feel that there is room for more good copy-editing textbooks,” Murray said. “It beats most of the competition.”
Murray admits that it took about two years to complete his project. In it, he even included former Gramblinites such as Monica Guillory and Michael Grant.
He also covers a variety of topics and controversial publications that received nationwide attention. The chapters include: fundamentals of editing, working with words, news judgment, editing sensitivity and even design and layout. The collection of graphs, charts and helpful tips cause this book to be a powerful source of information for students and professionals. It also includes a glossary and style guide at the end of the book.
Murray says he gained inspiration for making this book by years of true experiences, conferences and teaching.
“My background is copyediting, and I know from experience that Dr. Murray’s book covers all the basics,” said Gramblinite adviser Wanda L. Peters, who served as an editor for Murray’s book. “It is an excellent introduction to basic copyediting.”
Dr. Murray is a mass communication professor and head of the news-editorial sequence. He has been teaching at GSU since 1992. He is a graduate of Texas A&M where he earned his Ph.D. He also is a former reporter and editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and The Dallas Morning News.
It is rumored that the book may one day become a required textbook for a news-editorial course. Those interested can soon pick up the book at the bookstore on campus. It is published by Marquette Books.