How I Began Editing for Chytomo

This is what my name looks like translated into Ukrainian: Шері Ліґері

Since May of 2024, I have been volunteering my editorial services to Chytomo, an independent Ukrainian news and literary cultural media platform. I and many other freelance copyeditors work on an as-needed basis, editing articles newly translated from Ukrainian to English and aimed at reaching an international English-speaking audience.

Chytomo means Readable.

I learned about Chytomo from editing peers, who put me in touch with its co-founder and project coordinator, based in Montreal. Chytomo was eager to find more editors willing to help them, as they are fully funded by donors.

Their goal: “With Russia having invaded Ukraine, we will be offering literary and cultural news during the war. We will go beyond borders, domains and people. Constant communication and cooperation are essential to us . . . ”

As a freelance copyeditor, I mostly edit non-news items (fiction, nonfiction, web content, marketing copy, corporate communications, etc.), guided by the Chicago Manual of Style, but welcomed this chance to gain real-life experience editing news stories.

This work requires mental flexibility, as the editing process is not always clear-cut. For instance, while Chytomo uses the AP Stylebook, they prefer Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (rather than Webster’s New World) and use their own style sheet, which includes the serial comma, among other exceptions. Consequently, I cannot rely solely on standard AP news conventions when editing.

Above all, it is gratifying to help the Ukrainian people in this small way during these very dark times.

Slava Ukrayini (Glory to Ukraine)

Sheri

November 1, 2024