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COPYEDITING

Clarifying the Impossible

Copyeditors clarify the impossible because no message or text is impossible to clarify for stakeholders and readers. All text can be turned into an understandable work.

WHAT IS COPYEDITING?
Copyediting is a time-consuming preparation of a manuscript or original document (or ‘copy’ - hence the word copyediting) for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting the content. It is the second step in the publication process of a manuscript. The first step, of course, is the writing thereof. Once the author has finished the creative process, they will give it to the copyeditor to polish.

LEVELS OF COPYEDITING

  • Light editing: Mechanical correctness such as grammar, syntax, punctuation and spelling, consistent style, tone, and usage. AI and grammar checkers have taken over most of this mind-numbing work.
  • Medium editing: Clarity and economy such as wordiness, repetition, jargon, awkward sentences, and unnecessary complexity. It checks that graphics and tables are in the correct places in the text. Table-of-contents entries and organisational problems are also corrected.
  • Substantive editing: Structure and argument such as logical sequence, paragraph purpose, transitions, evidence, consistency, and contextual discrepancies. Check for credibility such as unsupported claims, missing information, generic observations, invented details, and failure to deliver on the promise.
  • Developmental editing is usually done after the initial creative process. However, if an author is stuck, does not know how to begin, continue, or arrange the content, developmental editing is needed. It is usually for books or extensive writing projects; involves processes that may require ghostwriting or writing the outline of the content and includes consultations before the writing begins so that issues such as organisation, features, and other aspects of the work can be discussed.

VALUE OF A COPYEDITOR
A copyeditor is not a grammar teacher out to rip your creative work apart. A good copyeditor gets into the head of the writer to understand their work. The copyeditor’s recommendations aim to make the author, not the copyeditor, look good.

Copyediting enhances the value of any text. The copyeditor’s ability to clarify and enhance your message is of inestimable value for clear and potent communication.

Contact me when you want to add value to your message.