So you’ve written a book, and you’re pretty happy with the big picture: the plot/content, the structure, the characterisation. But the manuscript is still messy. You wouldn’t dream of publishing it yet. You need an edit to make the whole book read better, and to sort out the typos, and the dodgy punctuation, and the overlong paragraphs, and… the list goes on.
What you need is copy-editing. This level of editing polishes your manuscript, improving readability, clarity, accuracy and consistency. Quite simply, it helps you say what you want to say effectively and elegantly.
As a copy editor, I like to think I know my stuff: I’ve been copy-editing for publishers for more than 20 years. Inconsistencies jump out at me, I have a burning need for clarity and I know a lot about grammar (in fact, I copy-edited English Grammar For Dummies). But none of this makes me a pedantic editor. As I copy-edit, I value your unique writing style – even where it bends the odd rule – and edit with sensitivity and respect.
Charlie was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her professionalism, expertise and advice were invaluable on what was a difficult project and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!
– Caitlin Flynn, Publishing Officer, Imperial War Museums
The role of the copy editor in the publishing process
Copy-editing sits between developmental editing and proofreading in the publishing process. After the big picture of the book has been finalised, the copy editor tides up all the nuts and bolts of the writing: the dull stuff like grammar and spelling and consistency. (Not dull to a copy editor, in fact, who takes a geeky pleasure in such things.) Then, once the manuscript has been thoroughly copy-edited, it’s ready for the final proofread.
How I copy-edit
My job as a copy editor is to ensure that the writing reads well, and that it’s clear, accurate and consistent. I do so respectfully, without undertaking significant rewriting, tidying the book through editing and raising queries for issues that require the author’s input.
When I copy-edit, I don’t worry about developmental concerns, such as the overarching structure of the book; I focus on how the author is communicating. As I edit, line by line, I review:
Accuracy
Are there grammatical errors? Are words misspelled or misused? Are there missing or extraneous words and punctuation marks? Are names spelled correctly? Are dates right? Do numbers add up? Do cross-references marry up? Is numbering sequential? Are there any glaring factual errors?*
Consistency
Is a consistent and sensible style applied throughout the book for aspects of style like spelling, capitalisation, italicisation, hyphenation and numbering?
Clarity
Is the meaning crystal clear? Is any of the writing vague, ambiguous or overly wordy? Do any terms need explanation?
Tone
Is the tone always appropriate? Are any words undermining the tone? Does the author over-emphasise (italics, bold, capitals)?
Repetition
Are words/phrases repeated in close proximity? Is a particular word/phrase overused in the book? Is there obvious content overlap across chapters?
Sentence and paragraph structuring
Are sentences easy to follow? Do they flow logically? Are any awkwardly phrased? Are paragraphs manageable chunks and do they focus on one idea?
Dialogue
Does it sound natural? Is it clear who’s speaking? Are the capitalisation and punctuation correct?
Quotations
Are these laid out and punctuated according to industry standards? Are insertions, omissions and alterations handled properly? Are references provided, complete and consistent?
Potential ‘hot potatoes’
Does anything stand out as discriminatory, offensive or non-inclusive?* Are there obvious plagiarism, copyright or libel concerns?*
I edit in Microsoft Word, raising queries using the Comments tool and making revisions using Track Changes. This enables the author to see all of my edits and suggestions and choose to accept or reject them, thereby keeping full control of the book.
As I edit, I create a style sheet for the client, to lay down a framework for consistent style in the book. The style sheet includes elements like spelling choices, hyphenated terms, capitalised terms and punctuation style, and it’s a useful reference for the author. Following the copy-edit, the client goes through my revisions and queries, and is free to come back to me with any questions.
* Please keep in mind that copy-editing doesn’t include rigorous fact-checking; for this you need a dedicated fact-check. Nor does it include legal advice; I’m an editor, not a lawyer. And if you’re writing about a marginalised group, please consider working with a sensitivity reader from that group.
Charlie is the most brilliant and thorough editor/copy editor; her input and encouragement have been invaluable to me.
– Claire Seeber, Author (Valley Press)
Copy-editing FAQs
How much does copy-editing cost?
My rate for copy-editing starts at £15 per 1,000 words.
How long does a copy-edit take?
This depends on the length of the book, the level of work required and my current availability. Turnaround can range from four to six weeks.
How can I prepare for a copy-edit?
It’s best to complete all developmental work on the manuscript before it’s copy-edited. If you develop sections of the book after the copy-edit, you’ll probably need a further copy-edit on those sections. As you prepare to hand over the manuscript for copy-editing, you can note down any style choices that you’d like me to apply in the book; for example, you favour the serial comma and Oxford spellings (realize rather than realise). If you’re not sure about style, don’t worry; I can advise you on this.
What comes next?
After the copy-edit, the author finalises the manuscript, and then it’s ready for the last stage in the publishing process: proofreading.
If you’d like to discuss copy-editing, please get in touch.
