If a simple proofread doesn’t cut it for your manuscript right now, is a copyedit what you’re looking for?
Do you want to ensure that your manuscript is free of errors bigger than just simple grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes? Do you want to be certain you didn’t use the wrong character description? Can you be absolutely sure your story’s timeline progresses cleanly without inconsistencies?
Whether you’re traditionally publishing or self-publishing, copyediting is a crucial step in the editing process. It’s the second-to-last stage of editing, falling between line editing and proofreading. Unlike line editing, copyediting is a technical edit (not stylistic) and focuses on making technical corrections and maintaining consistency throughout your manuscript.
While providing all the surface-level corrections proofreading includes, copyediting is a deeper dive into the mechanics of your writing than a simple proofread allows. While copyediting your novel, I focus on the small details within your writing while taking the big picture into account. This is the stage where consistency within grammar choices and story details is ensured.
During the copyediting stage, spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation are corrected. Page-to-page consistency within your story (character descriptions, time of day mentioned, location details, etc.) is ensured, as is consistency within technical choices like capitalization, spelling preferences, and more. Any discrepancies or continuity errors are flagged, along with any potentially inappropriate or offensive language. Correct and consistent formatting is prioritized, as is ensuring that basic facts check out. A style sheet specific to your project is created to track details about your story (character names, locations, etc.) and any technical preferences you may have. By the end of the copyediting stage, your novel should be free of mistakes and just about ready to be put in the hands of your readers.
Copyediting is highly recommended for every project, especially books and short stories. Take no chances when it comes to the writing you put your name on. Ensure that your manuscript meets your standards.
As long as you’re completely satisfied with your story’s big-picture elements and the writing itself (you’re not looking for editorial input regarding impact, effectiveness, clarity, etc.), it’s time for copyediting.
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