Copy Editing

Every type of writing has its own style. A technical paper will read differently to news story which will read differently to a novel. Each publication has a particular house style.

This is one of the things a copy editor will be looking out for. For example, if you write in Australian English and your publisher is in the United States, your copy should be in US English. And, despite all your best efforts, some words will evade the spellchecker.

What you can expect your copy editing to address

Some people confuse copy editing with line editing or proofreading, but it is not the same.

A copy editor does share many similarities with line editors and proofreaders, but their task primarily is to:

• Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Pick up any inconsistencies the line editor may have missed
• Flag any errors of fact
• Correct phrasing or sentence order which might make a passage unclear, and
• Ensure the language concise and clear.

Choosing a Copy Editor

Recommendations from other authors is an excellent place to start.

The copy editor doesn’t necessarily have to be experienced in the style of fiction you write, but it can be an advantage. If you write any form of historical fiction, an experienced line editor will have a sixth sense for words which are anachronistic for that time period.

It is always important to book your editor in advance, or be prepared to wait.

Depending on the length of the manuscript, a line edit can take two to three weeks once the editor has started work.

What about copy editing for non-fiction titles?

Non-fiction titles benefit from copy editing.  A specialist technical writer in your field would be a good person to start with.

How much does copy editing cost?

This can depend. Some editors charge a flat fee. Others charge differing amounts depending on word count.

This may be represented in one of two different ways.

• a X-dollar amount per 10,000 words. Or
• 50,000-80,000 words is X-dollar amount; 81,000 to 100,000 words is Y-dollar amount and so on.

You may be asked for the full payment upfront, or to pay a 50% deposit before work begins, or some editors may accept payment on completion.

How do I know if the copy editing is going to be good?

Your copy editor may also be your line editor. There are some editors who will deliver line and copy edits in a single round of editing

If you choose to have someone else do your line edits, then ask for recommendations.

Ask your editor for references or they may offer to do a three chapter or a 5,000 word sample edit at a much reduced fee.

What happens next?

Once the copy edits are complete, your manuscript is now ready for proofreading.

If your copy editor is the same person who will be your proofreader you might receive a 10-20% discount on their regular fees.