copy editor
Manuscript error hunter
A copy editor reviews and corrects written material before publication, focusing on grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and style.
Unlike developmental editors who shape content and structure, copy editors work at the sentence level, ensuring clarity and adherence to house style guides.
The role exists across publishing, journalism, and corporate communications.
The copy editor caught three inconsistent spellings before the article went to print.
Copy editing has largely moved from paper markup to digital tracking tools.
Printing mistake
- spellingCorrect letter sequence
- fact-checkConfirm information accuracy
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- correctionsAdjustments to fix errors
markup · query · redline · blue-pencil · track changes · stet · proofing · galley
Rules for arranging words
- punctuationWritten clarity symbols
- subject-verb agreementMatching noun and predicate
- tenseStrained or nervous
- comma spliceMisjoined clauses with punctuation
dangling modifier · split infinitive · conjugation · apostrophe · hyphenation · semicolon · sentence fragment · run-on sentence
Consistent editorial conventions
- style guidePublication formatting rules
- AP styleJournalistic writing conventions
- toneQuality of sound
- voiceSound from throat
consistency · word choice · capitalization · abbreviations · numbers · formatting · italics · boldface
Original text before publication
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- authorCreator of written works
- typesettingArranging text for print
- layoutSpatial arrangement of elements
publication · submission · galley proof · page proof · production · permissions · captions · credits
Ease of understanding text
- concisenessQuality of being brief
- coherenceLogical internal consistency
- simplicityLack of complexity
- wordinessExcessive use of language
redundancy · jargon · plain language · flow · transitions · ambiguity · precision · streamlining
typo
Printing mistake
- spellingCorrect letter sequence
- fact-checkConfirm information accuracy
- accuracyDegree of correctness
corrections · markup · query · redline · blue-pencil · track changes · stet · proofing · galley · blueline
syntax
Rules for arranging words
- punctuationWritten clarity symbols
- subject-verb agreementMatching noun and predicate
- tenseStrained or nervous
comma splice · dangling modifier · split infinitive · conjugation · apostrophe · hyphenation · semicolon · sentence fragment · run-on sentence · misplaced modifier
house style
Consistent editorial conventions
- style guidePublication formatting rules
- AP styleJournalistic writing conventions
- toneQuality of sound
voice · consistency · word choice · capitalization · abbreviations · numbers · formatting · italics · boldface · headings
manuscript
Original text before publication
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- authorCreator of written works
- typesettingArranging text for print
layout · publication · submission · galley proof · page proof · production · permissions · captions · credits · front matter
readability
Ease of understanding text
- concisenessQuality of being brief
- coherenceLogical internal consistency
- simplicityLack of complexity
wordiness · redundancy · jargon · plain language · flow · transitions · ambiguity · precision · streamlining · tightening
rewrite
Revise text substantially
polish · refine · edit · rework · clean up · tighten · restructure · clarify · improve · adjust
- journalismreporters, interview, editors, student editors, school paper
- news medianews agency, newspaper, documentary, article, news photo
- newspapersnewspaper, headlines, headline, news, articles
- pressnewspaper, press laws, free press, newsroom, press cards
- editingcut, paste, delete, undo, redo
- editorschief editors, managing editors, copyeditor, news editors, photo editors
copy editorauthor
Creator of written works
writer · creative writer · content creator · novelist · journalist
copy, editor, editing, edited, editorial, edits, editorials, editorship, copyedit