Understand Copyediting and Why You Need It

What copyediting means for your writing and the complete definition of terms.

What is copyediting? One of three types of editing, copyediting covers readability as well as grammatical accuracy. The Chicago Manual of Style, used by most editors, states that manuscript editing includes “simple mechanical corrections […] through sentence-level interventions […] to substantial remedial work on literary style and clarity.” Copyediting occurs before proofreading and after the heavier developmental editing, also known as content editing.

In copyediting, most corrections are in punctuation, restructuring, and pointing out how a line feels awkward to read in your head. Rarely would an editor write in more than a word or a few as a suggestion. Anything beyond counts as ghostwriting, a separate service usually offered by writers instead of editors. (I do offer this service here, I’m a creative writer as well.) A majority of notes you’ll receive from your copyeditor will be just that: notes, not solutions.

Anything regarding the story as a whole should have been covered by a developmental editor. If you don’t want to hire one to help with your rough draft, beta readers are good as well. However, developmental editors also help with evolving your idea and making your novel competitive; you can send me an email and I’ll put you in contact with other editors I know.

Copy refers to a duplication of your manuscript for the publishing house. Editing your copy occurred in the publishing house, prepping it for typesetting. Then staff chooses the font, sets the machine, and prints another copy to send to the proofreader.

With a short discussion about your budget, potential deadlines, and a review of your first chapter, your copyeditor will determine what level of editing—light, medium, heavy— you’ll need.

Copyediting is the primary service I offer.