What Is Copy Editing?

Copy editing is an important part of the editing process. But what does it actually mean and involve? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and show you how you can start your copy-editing career.

What Is Copy Editing?

Copy editing refers to the act of correcting errors in a piece of writing or copy. If we think of the editing process as a timeline, copy editing happens toward the end – after developmental and line editing have been finished but before the final proofread. 

Developmental editing ➜ Line/stylistic editing ➜ Copy editing ➜ Proofreading

While similar to proofreading, and sometimes offered in combination, copy editing is its own task.

What Does Copy Editing Involve?

The exact tasks required for copy editing will depend on the individual project. Generally speaking, though, a copy edit goes into less depth than a detailed line edit but covers more than just mechanical errors. In practice, this involves:

• Correcting spelling mistakes and typos
• Fixing grammatical errors
• Making sure punctuation is used correctly
• Editing or removing content that’s inappropriate for the intended audience
• Checking for inconsistencies in spelling, formatting, or word choice
• Ensuring a consistent tone
• Reducing wordiness
• Clarifying meaning

It’s also the copy editor’s responsibility to ensure that the author’s voice is maintained throughout the document. 

Copy Editing Example

To help you understand what copy editing looks like, we’ve put together an example of a copy-edited text. Below is the original text before any edits have been made:

From ponds marshes to fens and estuaries, wetland habitats are a crucial ecosystem for british wildlife. 

In fact, while wetlands are home to more than 10% of native british species, they make up just 3 percent of our landscape.

In freshwater habitats you might encounter shy water voles, playfull otters, and recently re-introduced beavers. Frogs and toads around, while under the surface dwells more secretive amphibians like the great crested newt.

Minnows and stickleback swim in the shallows, darting around the feet of coots and moorhens and try to avoid the keen kingfishers beak.

Venture out to the coast, and you’ll be greeted by the sight of waddling birds such as Oystercatchers and sandpipers combing the beech for food. Seals lounge on rocks, and in tidal pools, while Ammophela arenaria rustles in the breeze.

Here is the edited version of the text with corrections shown:

From ponds and marshes to fens and estuaries, wetland habitats are a crucial ecosystem for bBritish wildlife. 

In fact, while wetlands are home to more than 10% of native british species, they make up just 3 percent of our landscape while wetlands make up just 3% percent of our landscape, they are home to more than 10% of native bBritish species. 

In freshwater habitats you might encounter shy water voles, playfull otters, and recently re-introduced reintroduced beavers. Frogs and toads around abound, while under the surface dwells more secretive amphibians, like the great crested newt.

Minnows and stickleback swim in the shallows, darting around the feet of coots and moorhens and trying to avoid the keen kingfisher’s beak.

Venture out to the coast, and you’ll be greeted by the sight of waddling wading birds, such as Ooystercatchers and sandpipers combing the beech beach for food. Seals lounge on rocks, and in tidal pools, while Ammophela arenaria marram grass rustles in the breeze.

Not all of the issues highlighted here are mechanical errors. For example, we’ve rearranged the structure of the second paragraph to better highlight how many species wetlands support.

And in the final sentence, while Ammophela arenaria (the Latin name for marram grass) is technically correct, it seems inconsistent when common names have been used to describe other species.

As a copy editor, you may need to make corrections like this. However, as they can involve some guesswork or making more substantive changes to the document, you should leave comments for your client explaining your corrections.

How to Become a Copy Editor

It’s possible to start a career as a copy editor without previous editing experience. However, you’ll need a keen eye for detail, self-discipline, and a desire to learn. 

Most importantly, if you want to become a copy editor, you’ll need to make sure you have the right skills for the job. That’s where our Becoming An Editor course comes in. The comprehensive syllabus covers:

• Different types of editing
• How to fix common errors
• Editing for structure, content, and style
• Editing academic writing
• Editing business writing
• Editing creative writing
• Working with clients

With in-depth modules and a work guarantee for successful learners, we’ll take you from a complete beginner to a professional editor. Sign up for a free trial and start your copy-editing journey with us.