copyedited

Copyedited is an adjective used to describe text that has undergone copyediting, the editorial step focused on language, style, and consistency. Copyediting aims to improve readability, accuracy, and overall quality while preserving the author’s voice and intent. Typical tasks include correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and typographic issues; standardizing terminology, hyphenation, and capitalization; resolving ambiguity; tightening prose; checking factual statements and citations; and ensuring alignment with a house style or guide such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press.

Copyediting is distinct from proofreading and from substantive or line editing. Copyediting occurs after the manuscript has been drafted and before layout or final proofreading; it focuses on the surface and organizational level rather than major structural changes. Proofreading is usually a final pass to catch remaining errors; substantive editing may alter structure, argument, or content. Editors may perform light or heavy copyediting depending on the needs of the project.

In publishing, manuscripts or articles may be described as copyedited, or carry credit such as “Copyedited by Jane Doe.” Digital content and journals often use automated tools in conjunction with human editors. The goal of copyediting is to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy across the document before publication, reducing reader confusion and the likelihood of post-publication corrections.