Copyediting, also known as manuscript editing, is the process of finding and correcting errors in a completed manuscript. It is not the same as ghostwriting. It is also not the same as developmental editing, which occurs even before the manuscript is completed.
In this article, we discuss the basics of copyediting and how it varies from other forms of editing. I also discuss teh different types of copyediting, including fiction copyediting, academic copyediting, and subediting.
What is fiction copyediting?
Fiction copyediting refers to reviewing and correcting manuscripts in works of fiction, such as novels and short stories. Fiction copyediting is often more complicated than other forms of editing. This is largely because it is much more subjective than other forms of editing.
In academic editing, professional editors rely on well-established academic style guides, such as the APA and MLA. More importantly, the authors typically follow the IMRaD format, which is quite rigid and straightforward. Therefore, academic copyeditors have an easy standard to follow and stick to.
In the case of fiction copyediting, the text may not be as technically demanding as dense academic texts, but there is often no standard format to go buy. One has to rely heavily on the style of individual authors, as well as the expectations of the style of a particular genre of fiction.
For example, if you are copyediting a romance novel, you should ensure that the language used is typical for that of the industry. On the other hand, if you are editing a literary novel, the intended effect of the author and the universal standards of high literature are your models.
The thing is — no one can properly define authorial intentions and “standard of high literature.” Therefore, close communication between author, editor, and publisher is key.
What is subediting?
Subediting is a form of editing in journalism that involves refining articles before publication. It is also spelled as sub-editing. Subeditors focus on ensuring the content adheres to the publication's style, maintaining grammatical correctness, clarity, and factual accuracy. In addition, they write headlines, captions, and summaries while ensuring that articles are free of libel or other legal issues.
Copyediting vs. content editing
Copyediting focuses on correcting manuscripts that are eventually accepted for formal publication, whereas content editing refers to editing long-form or short-form copy for websites and blogs. This is also known as blog editing.
However, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Content editing may refer to heavily editing an academic or other manuscript meant for publication.
Copyediting vs. developmental editing
Copyediting occurs later in the editorial process and focuses on making corrections to a completed manuscript; developmental editing, on the other hand, is an in-depth review conducted early in the process, even before the manuscript is completed.
Copywriting vs. Copyediting
In short, copywriting is a craft that focuses on creating content that persuades readers to buy, whereas copyediting is a craft that focuses on meticulously finding and correcting errors in a completed manuscript.
Copywriting involves creating promotional or persuasive content, such as advertisements, promotional emails, headlines, and other marketing materials. The goal is to create compelling copy to attract and engage an audience. Copyediting, in contrast, polishes already written material (or copy) to ensure grammatical accuracy and stylistic consistency.
What is the cost of copyediting?
Copyediting rates vary based on the manuscript's complexity and type. However, according to the EFA, copyediting rates typically range between $40 and $62.50 per hour. The table below shows the cost of copyediting compared to developmental editing and proofreading.
A copyediting sample
I have attached a copyediting sample in this section. An edited manuscript has three aspects to it: 1. Deleted material; 2. Added material; and 3. Editor comments for improvement and clarity. The first two don't always have clear-cut differences. Sometimes the changes made to a sentence by an author involve drastically rearranging and restructuring words.
Deletions show up as being crossed out with a colored line in Word's Track Changes. The addition of material also shows up as colored words. In Word Track changes, the author has the ability to reject or accept the changes made by the editor. Here is an example of a copyedited manuscript for a high school textbook company:
How can I become an editor?
To become an editor, you should learn the basics of professional and academic writing and familiarize yourself with editing style guides such as the CMOS, AP, and the APA. Furthermore, becoming a professional copyeditor requires intensive training and practice.
This training can be achieved through three ways:
Studying on your own
Relying on a mentor
Paying for academic training
If you choose to learn copyediting on your own, this involves religiously studying manual style guides such as the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition. The option of training as an editor includes signing up for formal editing training, and this may be expensive.
However, it has the added advantage of official certification. Proper editing accreditation and certification from reputable editing bodies may increase the likelihood of you getting hired as an editor. Organizations such as the EFA (Editorial Freelancers Association) provide such training. Membership in editing associations like the EFA can also help boost your credibility.
The ideal option is finding an academic editing mentor. Either way, becoming an academic editor is a process that is, if not long, then at least difficult and intense, especially if you desire rapid progress. However, be warned. It won't make you rich!
EminentEdit's copyediting services
EminentEdit provides premium copyediting services. We are a small group of professional editors with extensive experience editing and proofreading a wide range of literature.
Our services include academic editing for journal publications and research papers, as well as content editing for your blog and website.
EminentEdit provides editing and proofreading services that are:
More importantly, we are adaptable to your specific needs. | Get in touch with one of our representatives for help in editing your manuscript We know what you want to say. We help you say it better. |
Our services don't just start with proofreading the final product. It also includes help from the very beginning of your project. Our editing services include the following:
Proofreading and editing services for theses and dissertations
Proofreading for both fiction and nonfiction books
Proofreading and editing for website and blog copy
Substantive editing to improve the quality of your writing on a sentence level
Extensive commentary and recommendations to improve literature review, structure, and arguments
Get in touch through our contact page here: CONTACT US AT EMINENT EDIT.
Cite this EminentEdit article |
Antoine, M. (2024, November 23). Copyediting: Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.eminentediting.com/post/copyediting-frequently-asked-questions |
Comments