What is Copy Editing?

Compared to proofreading, copy editing is a deeper, more technical look at content. Copy editing is the step before proofreading, which is the final step. A copy editor will check a piece of writing for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style, but they will also make sure that the writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Copy editors typically have a strong background in grammar and usage, as well as experience with different styles of writing. They use their knowledge to identify and correct errors in the text, and to make suggestions for improving the clarity and flow of the writing.

A copy editor will maintain the writer’s style. Each writer has their own unique writing style, or voice.  This uniqueness is what makes your writing unique and engaging. A copy editor will suggest edits to make the content flow better, but should not change your voice or style. 

Here is an example of a copy editor changing the writer’s style. 

Original sentence: The dog was a beautiful animal, with long, flowing fur and bright green eyes. He was always very playful and loved to chase after a ball.

Copy edited: The dog was a stunning canine, with long, silky fur and piercing emerald eyes. He was an incorrigible puppy, forever wanting to play with anyone and anything within eyesight.

As you can see, the original sentence uses plain language. The copy editor changed some words and added others that are more intellectual. That may appeal to some readers, but it has changed the writer’s style. You as the writer are the one telling the story, not the copy editor. No matter how much the copy editor thinks something should be changed, it is your preference as the client that must be respected.

Why do I need a copy editor?

• To catch errors. Even the best writers make mistakes. A copy editor can help you catch errors that you may have missed, such as typos, grammatical errors, and incorrect punctuation. A copy editor will also be on the lookout for inconsistencies like a character having blue eyes in chapter 2, but brown eyes in chapter 10. 
• To improve clarity. A copy editor can help you make your writing more clear and easier to understand. They can suggest ways to improve the flow of your writing and make your ideas more concise.
• To improve style. A copy editor can help you improve the style of your writing. They can suggest ways to make your writing more engaging and persuasive.

There are things that are outside the scope of a copy editor, these include: deep fact checking, rewriting sentences or paragraphs, providing assessments on ways to change the structure of the content or fix issues with plot development.  These issues may fall under the scope of manuscript editor. 

Tips for finding a good copy editor:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, colleagues, or teachers.
• Look for copy editors who have experience in the type of writing that you need help with.
• Get quotes from several copy editors before making a decision.

Once you have found a copy editor, be sure to give them clear instructions about what you need them to do. Come to an agreement on what the copy editor will and will not do, and for what price. Provide them with a copy of your content and any style guides that you are using. You can also ask your copy editor to create a style guide that would be used by a proofreader. (What is a style guide? Stay tuned for a later post to find out!) Be sure to give them a deadline for completing the copy editing.

Copy editing is essential to producing a polished final product. A copy editor can help you improve the quality of your writing and make sure that it is free of errors that may distract your readers, or lower their impression of your work.