copy-editing

Fixing written errors

Copy-editing is the process of reviewing written material to correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style before publication.

A copy editor ensures consistency and clarity without substantially rewriting: The manuscript needs copy-editing before it goes to the printer.

Distinguished from developmental editing, which addresses structure and content.

Also spelled copyediting.

process

proofreading

Checking text for mistakes

revisionAltering to improve
markupAdded percentage for profit
correctionFixing of mistakes

fact-checking · query · redlining · manuscript · galley · proof · deadline · turnaround · pass · review

errors

typo

Printing mistake

misspellingIncorrect written form
punctuationWritten clarity symbols
grammarLanguage's structural rules

syntax · run-on · wordiness · redundancy · inconsistency · anachronism · homophone · transposition · omission · duplication

tools

dictionary

Alphabetical word reference

InDesignPage layout application
GrammarlyAutomated text editor
caretSymbol marking insertions

close-up · sic · sticky-note · ruler

profession

freelance

Self-employed project work

newspaperPrinted periodical of current events
magazineBound periodical with articles
authorCreator of written works

deadline · rates · turnaround · client · brief · specialization · technical · academic · fiction · nonfiction

Opposites

creative production vs. refinement

copy-editingoriginal composition

Freshly created artistic piece

writing · authoring · drafting · creative writing · composing

textual degradation vs. improvement

copy-editingvandalism

Willful property damage

corrupting · garbling · defacing · mangling · botching

preservation vs. alteration

copy-editingstet

Editorial "never mind"

non-intervention · transcription

Family

copy, edit, editing, copies, copied, copying, copyist, edits, edited

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