Remember
What is a table?
Editing a table: Pass 1
- Related data held in a structured format
- A chart, diagram, or graph holding systematically displayed data, for the purpose of condensing information
- Tables should be:
- Centered on the page.
- Numbered in the order they appear in the text.
- Referenced in the order they appear in the text.
- Labeled with the table number and descriptive title above the table.
- Labeled with column and/or row labels that describe the data, including units of measurement.
- Set apart from the text itself; text does not flow around the table.
- Does it make sense to have a table to reflect this data?
- Can the table stand alone?
- Is the information included in the table relevant to the text?
- Does the information given in the table agree with the data and position given in the text?
Parts of a table
Editing a table: Pass 2
- Copy edit the actual table for spelling and grammar errors
- Make sure you have mechanical consistency
- Verify your citations
Editing a table: Pass 3
- Make sure everything is consistent in formatting
- Titles ought to be accurate and brief
- Capitalization needs to be uniform throughout the different tables
It's time to say goodbye... to Turning Tables