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All writers are aware that their first draft is full of grammatical errors, incorrect spacing, complex jargon, and other grammar mishaps. But the editing cycle only starts once the draft has been improved to focus on the “big picture,” usually with the help of a developmental editor. After weeks of being fully immersed in your work, it may almost be impossible to spot errors by merely trusting your eyes or making use of a built-in spellchecker. This is where copyediting comes in, to simply edit the masterpiece and give it its final polish to ensure that the overall writing is correct, clear, and concise.
What is Copyediting
What is Copyediting
Copyediting is work done by an editor to strengthen a written piece’s tone and style. It is the stage in which the work is reviewed and edited to improve its readability by providing suggestions on how to best convey the message the writer wishes to extend. It pays close attention to issues of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. Hence, the final product is meant to be smoothly readable and error-free.
Copyediting vs Proofreading
Copyediting vs Proofreading
Many individuals think that there is hardly any difference between the two. However, the gap is much bigger than you can imagine.
Copyediting
Copyediting
Copy editors ensure that the reader will not get bogged down by poorly constructed sentences or lost in extraneous detail. They make sure that the word usage and organization of the work stays as understandable and clear as possible.
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreaders are the real spell checkers eyeing out for typographical errors or misspelled word breaks. They are given the final task of editing a written work and fine-tuning it before it is published.
Guide Questions
Guide Questions
Regardless of the topic of the written work, a copy editor displays proficiency in finding and correcting grammar, punctuation, flow, and continuity. Before editing, the copy editor will determine ways on how to improve an author’s writing by asking themselves the following questions:
What is the text’s intended purpose?
What is the text’s intended purpose?
When the copy editor understands the purpose of the work, he or she can ensure that its meaning comes across clearly and concisely.
Who will be reading the text?
Who will be reading the text?
The copy editor must ensure that the work is appropriate for its target audience. By knowing who will be reading it, he or she can confirm that the writing is easy to understand.
How long is the text?
How long is the text?
The copy editor must make sure that the length of the entire text, as well as that of each sentence or paragraph, is suitable for the intended audience. If a sentence seems too long, the copy editor may either cut some words out or offer rephrasing suggestions. On the other hand, if the copy editor thinks that a certain section may need more information, he or she may also propose ways to expand it.
Does the text flow well? Is its progression well-organized?
Does the text flow well? Is its progression well-organized?
The copy editor must make sure that the length of the entire text, as well as that of each sentence or paragraph, is suitable for the intended audience. If a sentence seems too long, the copy editor may either cut some words out or offer rephrasing suggestions. On the other hand, if the copy editor thinks that a certain section may need more information, he or she may also propose ways to expand it.
How do you copyedit
How do you copyedit
If you are given the task to copyedit a work, here are some basic steps to follow:
Give the text an initial read-through. Reading the written work as a whole will allow you to become familiar with the text, and better understand what the writer is trying to say.
Make a plan. After reading the text another time, this is where the guide questions come in handy. Take note of the ideas you wish to address.
Go line-by-line. Now that you have formulated a plan, go back to the beginning. Work your way through each sentence and implement any suggestions you have.
Do a final read. Yes, copyediting involves rereading again and again. But now that you have finished, check your work. It is important that the written work has now been improved in its readability and is as error-free as possible.
Grammar Styles
Grammar Styles
Because it is the copy editor’s job to format errors and ensure flow, it is important that he or she also takes into account common grammar and punctuation styles that most of us have trouble mastering.
- Commas and semicolons.
The sentences shouldn’t leave the reader hyperventilating from taking constant shallow breaths that over-punctuation requires.
Read one of the sentences aloud and see where you would naturally pause. If it’s a short pause, you would need a comma. If it’s a long pause, but not quite a full stop, you would need a semicolon; remember that whatever proceeds the semi-colon must be able to stand on its own.
The two cats were constant companions; they truly loved each other.
2. Dashes and hyphens.
2. Dashes and hyphens.
When you’re setting off a clause, use a longer dash (called an m-dash).
Remember that the part of the sentence that follows the em-dash should still make sense even if it is removed.
I talked to Ann—my friend’s sister—about the new album that was released.
3. Numbers expressed in words.
3. Numbers expressed in words.
Use words to express numbers from zero through nine, and numerals to express numbers from 10 and above.
However, this rule does not apply to fractions and numbers that begin a sentence or title.
Two of the teachers bought 25 pens to hand out to the class later.
4. Parallelism.
4. Parallelism.
Be sure to maintain a parallel construction throughout the piece.
Taking out words or rewording them to the appropriate grammatical form will ensure a smoother reading experience.
I enjoy baking cookies, reading fiction stories, and dancing to jazz music.
5. "This."
5. "This."
Writers may often throw in a “this” when they are not sure what they want to draw the readers’ attention to.
It is important to clear up this vagueness as it could lead to puzzled thinking.
Suggest to the author to expand more on the idea. What does “this” exactly refer to? Can we possibly replace it with another word?
"I don’t like this. You keep talking about your high grades all the time, but have you ever thought about how it would affect me?" to "I don’t like your boastfulness. You keep talking about your high grades all the time, but have you ever thought about how it would affect me?"
Summary
Summary
In this chapter, you learned about the basics of copyediting and the steps to follow to ensure that any written work is vivid in composition, understandable for readers, and devoid of amateur mistakes. You also learned common grammatical errors that need extra attention and how you can avoid committing these slip-ups. Remember, copyediting isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those with an expert eye for what makes good writing!
Further Resources...
Further Resources...
For more style and grammar guidelines, you may refer to the APA Style website, which aids writers to present their works clearly and concisely.
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