PAUL MEATES
eq header.jpg

Editing for Equality

Every idea, script or article starts the same way: with a blank page. But too often, the page is filled with work that, in part, reinforces racial, gender and societal stereotypes. This is often due to our unconscious bias. But just because we do it unconsciously, doesn't mean we shouldn't consciously try to stop these biases from getting out into the world. This proofreaders’ mark empowers copy editors to flag issues of bias at the earliest possible stage.

Introducing a copy editing mark for equality. Part of "Editing for Equality" by Droga5.
 
 

THE MARK

We designed the mark to fit within the existing proofreaders’ marks, drawing on the eq# mark, which means “make spacing equal”. By dropping the #, it means “make equal”. By simply working with well-established marks, we can open up new conversations.

 
 
The Editing for Equality mark by droga5 - designed to fit within existing copyediting marks
The Editing for Equality mark by droga5 - designed to fit within existing copyediting marks
 
 

ADOPTION

To encourage adoption, we created a guide for copy editors on how to use the mark, including a guide for writers on how to avoid it in the first place.

 
 
Droga5's Editing for Equality Adage A-List recognized guide to implementing a copyediting mark for equality, and tips on how to avoid it
A spread from Droga5's Editing for Equality Adage A-List recognized guide to implementing a copyediting mark for equality, and tips on how to avoid it
A spread from Droga5's Adage A-List recognized Editing for Equality guide to implementing a copyediting mark for equality, and tips on how to avoid it
Chapter 5 - Loaded Terms from Droga5's Adage A-List recognized Editing for Equality guide.
Tips for writers from Droga5's Adage A-List recognized Editing for Equality guide.
Chapter 9 - Go Plural from Droga5's Adage A-List recognized Editing for Equality guide.
Tips for writers from Droga5's Editing for Equality guide.
 
 

DIGITAL

In addition to our guidebook, we digitally implemented eq suggestions across Outlook, Gmail, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Squarespace, and Figma, to allow writers to edit their own bias.

From publishing and PR to academia and advertising, with this simple mark, any writer or proofreader can begin to address issues of bias before they reach the public eye.

 
 
A timelapse of droga5's Editing for Equality's digital tool in practice
A timelapse of droga5's Editing for Equality's digital tool in practice
Editing for equality aims to tackle equality one squiggly line at a time.
PR for Droga5's Editing for Equality initiative