What is Copy Editing?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Copy editing is a crucial step in the writing and publishing process and can mean the difference between producing a piece of content that is merely good, and one that is truly exceptional. For writers, copy editing ensures accuracy, clarity, and consistency, while also improving grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Let’s explore what copy editing entails and how it can help you write better, clearer, and more compelling fiction or nonfiction.
What is Copy Editing?
Copy editing is an important part of the editorial process. If a writer works with a separate copy editor, copy editing involves a professional editor who reviews your work for grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and other elements to ensure accuracy. The goal of copy editing is to make sure all content meets specific standards in terms of style, tone, and readability. If a copy editor is working for a publishing house, they will be working within that house’s parameters and style guides. They will also take the writer’s voice and style into consideration. Usually, copy editing is one of the last steps a manuscript goes through before publication.
The Benefits of Copy Editing
Copy editing can benefit both writers and readers. For writers, copy editing helps refine their craft by polishing the overall quality of their work and making sure everything is correct and consistent. It also improves the flow of their writing by eliminating any errors or inconsistencies that could lead to confusion for readers, rephrasing wordiness, and otherwise making sure that the writer’s true meaning comes through. For readers, copy editing ensures that any content they read is accurate and is easy to digest and enjoy, which means it’s free from distracting errors and discrediting statements.
How to Hire an Editor for Copy Editing
A lot of writers who could benefit from a copy edit of their work aren’t yet working with a publisher, or are electing to self-publish. Writers who are about to submit to a literary agent or publishing houses are especially good candidates for copy editing, as the slush pile has never been more competitive, and agents are only selecting the best of the best.
If you're looking for a copy editor for your project, there are several ways you can go about finding one. One option is to find freelance editors online who specialize in in your specific genre or category. There are many freelance editors working in the field today, some of whom have direct publishing experience. Finally, you may want to consider asking around among your peers or colleagues—someone may have had success with a particular copy editor in the past. This is especially true if you’re a member of a writing association or writer’s group.
In conclusion, understanding what copy editing entails—as well as the benefits associated with getting your work copy edited—is essential knowledge for any writer who wants their work to stand out from the crowd. Whether you decide to hire an experienced copy editor or take a spin at self-editing, you can’t go wrong with prioritizing style, consistency, correctness, and clarity in your work to reach your writing goals.
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