NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality

Thomas R. Claire: Copyediting and Proofreading Books

Thomas R. Claire, an adjunct professor at NYU‑PS and veteran copy chief, teaches a course titled “Copy Editing and Proofreading Books.” Drawing on four decades in magazines—including a stint as associate managing editor at Ladies Home Journal—he blends classroom theory with hands‑on industry practice. Claire outlines six essential “C”s for editors: clarity, coherency, consistency, correctness, communication, and coding, adding cost as the often‑overlooked fourth “C” of diamond grading. He stresses that mastering these elements safeguards the quality of text and, by extension, the credibility of the press. A memorable line from the lecture—“Every grammarian does not have to be a copy editor, but every copy editor has to be a grammarian”—highlights the linguistic rigor required. He also links publishing to democracy, noting that a free press and a literate electorate are the twin legs supporting democratic stability. For publishers, writers, and editors, the course underscores that rigorous copy editing is not merely a technical task but a civic responsibility, reinforcing the integrity of information flow in a democratic society.