The Vintage Reader

I'm doing some freelance work that involves taking direction from a person who has been an editor for a very long time. Too long, in fact, to not understand what an em dash is. Of course, I think a DAY is too long for someone to work as an editor and not understand what an em dash is.

Nearly 20 years ago, I rented an apartment from the retired managing editor of a relatively prestigious academic press. When he found out that I was, at the time, an editorial assistant, he asked me what a gerund was and seemed surprised when I could not only tell him, but give him an example. Then he recommended that I apply for a very competitive internship at a university where he had taught; apparently the typical candidate couldn't have answered the gerund question. Still, I was scared to apply because I was convinced I wouldn't make the grade. Now, having worked with a number of professional editors, I realize I was probably wrong.