Copyediting

Copyediting is the process of reviewing written material to improve its accuracy, clarity, and consistency before publication. A copyeditor checks the text against a designated style guide, corrects errors, and ensures the writing conforms to the publication’s voice and audience.

Typical duties include correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and typography; standardizing terminology and formatting; improving clarity and flow through wording changes; verifying quotations, citations, and factual details; checking consistency of names, numbers, dates, and references; and flagging potential copyright, privacy, or ethical issues.

Process generally involves applying a house or discipline-specific style sheet, making tracked changes and comments, and compiling questions for the author. The copy editor often works after developmental or substantive editing and before proofreading, with the revised copy returned for a final check. In some workflows, multiple rounds of editing may occur to resolve ambiguities, tighten prose, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Tools and standards frequently used include style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press, or MLA; dictionaries and reference works; spell-checkers and grammar tools; and word processors or content-management systems. For web content, copyeditors may also address readability and accessibility, as well as search engine optimization considerations.

Contexts for copyediting include book publishing, magazines and newspapers, academic journals, corporate communications, marketing materials, and self-published work. The role requires a keen eye for detail, strong language skills, and the ability to balance accuracy with readability and consistent branding.