Copyediting

Copyediting is a deep dive into each sentence. In this edit, I will focus on the grammar and mechanics of each individual sentence. Copyediting does not span outside of the single sentence and into the flow of the sentence/paragraph like line editing. I will only look for consistently perfect standardized grammar. This edit only focuses on black and white rules. I greatly recommend a round of copyediting to writers whose line edit had many revisions.

As an editor and writer team, we can also discuss personal voice choices you may like as an exception to a rule. For example, many creative writers like to use sentence fragments in their manuscript. A writer may ask me to disregard sentence fragments, identify them so the writer can review them, or fix them.

Focus

In a copyedit, I will focus on:

• Consistency

• Readability

• Flow

• Grammar (Syntax, Awkward Phrasing)

• Mechanics (Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, Hyphenation, Number Formatting)

What It Looks Like

Line edits are made in the manuscript text through Word Track changes. After completion, you will receive your manuscript with changes and comments. Then, you simply accept or reject my recommendations. Because copyediting adheres to the black and white rules of standard English, I will leave less comments than a line edit. Comments will only be for comparatively subjective changes. Kindly do remember changes without comments have a rule in the grammar book. However, I am happy to clarify any questions you may have.

Because line edits beyond a copyedit into the writer’s style, there may be comments you disagree with, and that’s okay! It is your voice I want to help shine. This is why I always give reasons for my recommendations. I hope to help my writers think about their words in a new light. If there’s anything unclear, I’m always here to help!

If I notice a consistent grammatical or mechanical mistake, I may prepare a flier technique for you. These fliers address consistent grammatical weaknesses and detail how to strengthen them. I want to help you grow holistically as a writer.