2026-01-05 – Weekly Editing News : When did “e-mail” lose its hyphen?

Last week in our editing community, discussions ranged from technical editing challenges to personal growth strategies. Members delved into the nuances of language evolution, debating when “e-mail” officially shed its hyphen. Practical advice was exchanged on converting citations from APA to Chicago NB style, proving invaluable for those juggling academic standards. We also saw a focus on self-care, with editors sharing strategies to maintain productivity without succumbing to burnout.


This Week’s Hot Topics

First laugh by five seconds
A fascinating thread on comedic timing and its impact in writing. Editors are exploring how this concept can be applied to improve narrative flow and character development.
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When did “e-mail” lose its hyphen
This discussion traces the evolution of language in digital communication, sparking debate over how quickly editors should adopt new conventions.
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Need clean conversion from APA to Chicago NB
A practical query about citation style conversion that offers insights into best practices and tools to streamline the process.
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Table-read lab or dialect clinic
A unique look at how table reads or dialect clinics can enhance editorial accuracy, especially in script editing and localization projects.
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How I plan growth without burning out
Editors share personal strategies for balancing career growth with well-being, a crucial topic in today’s fast-paced industry.
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Step-edit checklist for procedures
This thread offers a structured approach to procedural editing, ensuring consistency and clarity in technical documents.
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Looking forward to another week of thoughtful discussions and shared knowledge. Until next time, take care and keep editing smartly.

Switched our house style to “email” by dating the decision (AP 2011; CMOS 17) on the sheet and adding an editor autocorrect so “e-mail” normalizes; I leave the hyphen only in quoted UI or archival text. “Step-edit checklist for procedures” — I slot a ‘normalize key terms’ pass right after scope so it never becomes a last-minute hunt. Anyone still dealing with a client who insists on the hyphen?

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