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Mary Norris

38quotes

Mary Norris: A Life of Language and Literature


Full Name and Common Aliases


Mary Norris is a well-known American copy editor, author, and speaker who has made significant contributions to the world of language and literature.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on July 24, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mary Norris's life spanned over seven decades, ending with her passing.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Norris was an American citizen by birth, and her profession primarily consisted of copy editing, a skill she honed during her extensive tenure at The New Yorker magazine.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Norris developed a love for language and literature from a young age. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle, where she studied English and French. Her early interest in linguistics would later become the foundation for her future career as a copy editor at The New Yorker.

Major Accomplishments


Norris's tenure at The New Yorker spanned over three decades, during which time she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to understand the nuances of language. Her work with renowned writers and editors helped shape the magazine's distinctive voice and style.

Notable Works or Actions


In addition to her editorial work, Norris has also written several books, including "Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen" (2016) and "More a Place" (2020), which showcases her skills as a writer and storyteller. Her memoirs offer unique insights into the world of publishing and the importance of language in our daily lives.

Impact and Legacy


Norris's impact on the literary world cannot be overstated. Her dedication to preserving the accuracy and precision of language has left an indelible mark on the writing community. As a testament to her influence, she was awarded the 2017 Kirkus Prize for Memoir, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the literary landscape.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Mary Norris's ability to demystify the art of language has made her a beloved and respected figure among writers, editors, and readers alike. Her commitment to precision and her passion for storytelling have endeared her to many, making her widely quoted and remembered as one of the most accomplished copy editors in the industry.

Norris's work serves as a reminder that the world of words is not just about conveying information but also about crafting beauty and meaning through language. Her legacy extends beyond her own contributions, inspiring future generations of writers, editors, and readers to appreciate the importance of precise and thoughtful communication.

Quotes by Mary Norris

Mary Norris's insights on:

First we get the rocks out, Alice. Then we get the pebbles out. Then we get the sand out, and the writer’s voice rises. No harm done.
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First we get the rocks out, Alice. Then we get the pebbles out. Then we get the sand out, and the writer’s voice rises. No harm done.
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I can’t help but think that the way we punctuate now is the right way – that we are living in a punctuation renaissance.
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I can’t help but think that the way we punctuate now is the right way – that we are living in a punctuation renaissance.
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Whom” may indeed be on the way out, but so is Venice, and we still like to go there.
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Whom” may indeed be on the way out, but so is Venice, and we still like to go there.
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A writer friend who was born in England summed up her feelings for the semicolon in a remark worthy of Henry James: “There is no pleasure so acute as that of a well-placed semicolon.” I guess the opposite of that is that there is no displeasure so obtuse as that of an ill-placed semicolon.
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A writer friend who was born in England summed up her feelings for the semicolon in a remark worthy of Henry James: “There is no pleasure so acute as that of a well-placed semicolon.” I guess the opposite of that is that there is no displeasure so obtuse as that of an ill-placed semicolon.
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Nobody knows everything – one of the pleasures of language is that there is always something new to learn – and everybody makes mistakes.
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Nobody knows everything – one of the pleasures of language is that there is always something new to learn – and everybody makes mistakes.
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I always forget that, in the popular imagination, the copy editor is a bit of a witch, and it surprises me when someone is afraid of me....Relax, I want to say. I don't make a habit of correcting people in conversation or in print--unless it's for publication and they ask for it, or I'm getting paid.
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I always forget that, in the popular imagination, the copy editor is a bit of a witch, and it surprises me when someone is afraid of me....Relax, I want to say. I don't make a habit of correcting people in conversation or in print--unless it's for publication and they ask for it, or I'm getting paid.
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The point is not to let the orthography distract the reader from the meaning.
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The point is not to let the orthography distract the reader from the meaning.
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In my experience, the really great writers enjoy the editorial process.
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In my experience, the really great writers enjoy the editorial process.
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Muphry’s Law: “If you write anything criticising editing or proofreading, there will be a fault of some kind in what you have written.
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Muphry’s Law: “If you write anything criticising editing or proofreading, there will be a fault of some kind in what you have written.
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I would never disable spell-check. That would be hubris. Autocorrect I could do without.
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I would never disable spell-check. That would be hubris. Autocorrect I could do without.
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