What does a copy editor do?
Copy editing involves proofreading text and correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Verifies or corrects information such as dates and statistics. Checks for consistency of style and ease of readability. Copy editing removes distractions from errors for your readers. As a result, your content will be clean and clear, communicating your message effectively while preserving your voice.
Your content will contain the following edits:
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- Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation errors, and syntax (the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.)
- Correct unmistakable factual inaccuracies.
- Research questionable facts.
- Check for consistency of style, capitalization, and spelling.
- Check for inconsistency within the story, including character description and setting.
- Checks for technical consistency in spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, font usage, and numerals.
- Observe your style guide of choice.
- Utilize your house style sheet if you have one.
- Check graphs, images, charts, etc., for errors.
- Edit in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Adobe Reader for PDF files.
- Use of comment bubbles and “Track Changes” to communicate any questions with the author.
- Suggest changes for confusing or nonsensical sentences.
- Pose questions and notate when something is unclear.
- Ensure consistency in spelling, names, and other details of characters and settings.
- Note redundancies and offer suggestions for alternate wording.
- Check for word repetition and wordiness.
- Notate any possible copyright issues.
- Reorganize sentences for readability while preserving the author’s voice.
- Flag ambiguous words and offer a clarifying alternative.
- Ensure clear sentence structure and word choices.
- Note sentence fragments or run-on sentences.
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