Our copyeditors review and revise your manuscript to make sure language is used correctly and its style is consistent. The level of copyediting will be based on the needs of your manuscript and factors such as its publishing schedule and budget. The following tasks are typical for three different levels of copyediting.
In a light-level edit, copyeditors will
- Correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, etc.
- Ensure consistent style for capitalization, hyphenation, number treatment, etc.
- Check sequencing, such as alphabetical order or numbering in lists
- Style bibliographies and footnotes/endnotes to conform to an agreed-upon style
- Check references to art, photos, tables, charts, and other display elements to make sure they are correct
- Flag inappropriate language
- Call attention to potential libel or plagiarism
- Point out inconsistencies and apparent errors in fact or logic
In a medium-level edit, copyeditors will
- Complete all light-level copyediting tasks
- Make sure headings are parallel and revise as necessary
- Call attention to awkward, unclear, or ambiguous passages, clichés, jargon, and mixed metaphors
- Correct lapses in tone and overuse of passive constructions
- Correct excessive use of parentheses, italics, or other typographical devices
- Call attention to repetition or text that strays
- Check for internal consistency in chronology, percentages, and logic
- Ensure that key terms are handled consistently
- Make sure that previews, summaries, and end-of-chapter questions reflect content
- Point out where information is missing
In a heavy-level edit, copyeditors will
- Complete all the tasks of light- and medium-level copyediting
- Improve sentence structure and the flow of text in general
Some of our copyeditors can also help you fact-check, format manuscripts, or code manuscripts for composition. However, these tasks are not assumed to be part of the job, and they need to be discussed and agreed upon.
For more information on heavy-level copyediting, please see the Substantive Editors section.
If you need a copyeditor for fiction, see the Fiction Editors section.