Definition
Mary Norris is an American copy editor, author, and public speaker best known for her long‑standing tenure at The New Yorker magazine and for authoring works on grammar and editing.
Overview
Born in 1952, Norris joined The New Yorker in 1978, where she worked as a copy editor for more than three decades. During her career she contributed to the magazine’s editorial standards, mentored junior editors, and became recognized for her precise approach to language usage. In 2014, she published Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen, a memoir and guide that blends personal anecdotes with discussions of punctuation, style, and the craft of editing. The book received favorable reviews for making the intricacies of copy editing accessible to a broad audience. Norris has also contributed essays and articles to various publications, appeared on radio programs such as NPR’s Weekend Edition, and delivered talks on writing and editing at conferences and universities.
Etymology/Origin
- Mary: A given name derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, historically meaning “beloved” or “bitter.”
- Norris: A surname of Norman origin, originally denoting a “northerner” or someone from the north of England or France. The combination forms the personal name of the subject discussed.
Characteristics
- Professional expertise: Recognized for meticulous attention to punctuation, syntax, and diction; advocates for clarity and consistency in written communication.
- Public engagement: Frequently participates in panels, workshops, and media interviews that promote literacy and the importance of editorial rigor.
- Authorship: Combines autobiographical narrative with instructional content, exemplified by Between You & Me. She has also contributed to The New Yorker’s style guides and editorial commentaries.
- Recognition: Cited by peers and language scholars as an authority on American English style; her work influences both professional editors and amateur writers.
Related Topics
- Copy editing and proofreading
- The New Yorker (magazine)
- American English style guides (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style)
- Grammar and punctuation education
- Literary memoirs on language professions