Copy Editing Invariably Leads to Variables

[Karen Brattain]

In addition to having one of the coolest journal names in the world, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta has been recommended to me as the authority on geochemical equations.

What am I talking about? Well, friends, I’m talking about geochemical variables. Variables appear all the time in the work I edit, and I need to follow conventions for italicizing them. I frequently refer to past issues of Astrobiology, and now I’m glad to have this second reference at my side to guide me.

So while this isn’t the most entertaining post in the world, I thought it would be worthwhile to say that Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta is a good resource when you need to know if that ∆T needs to be ital.

Some sample abstracts and a free online issue are available.

If you are interested in seeing what the submission guidelines for a journal of this type look like, visit “Submission Procedures” for Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta and “Manuscript Submission” for Astrobiology.

[Karen Brattain]

Good question. Just the T. I remember having to figure that one out! I'm still learning...

[Cliff N. Hansen]

Is the delta italicized or only the T?