Copy Editing

Read the document and make or suggest changes according to the level of copy editing agreed upon in advance. The levels of copy editing are defined as follows.  

Light Copy Edit:

• Correct and standardize spelling.
• Revise indisputable errors in grammar, syntax, and usage.
• Point out egregious instances of wordiness for the author to address.
• Ensure consistency in capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, list formatting, etc.
• Verify/correct table of contents and numbering of notes or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list.
• Ensure correct alphabetization of bibliography or reference list.
• Note terms that may be new to readers for the author to clarify.
• Note factual inconsistencies or apparently incorrect statements for the author to address.
• Identify items that may require permission for reprinting.
• Typecode elements, when a coding system is supplied.

Medium Copy Edit:

• Correct and standardize spelling.
• Revise errors in grammar, syntax, and usage.
• Point out or revise any awkward phrasing.
• Point out convoluted or wordy passages and supply suggested revisions.
• Ensure consistency in capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, list formatting, etc.
• Verify/correct table of contents and numbering of notes or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list.
• Ensure alphabetization of bibliography or reference list.
• Note terms that may be new to readers and query or supply a  suggested definition.
• Check facts using desktop references only and query errors and unverifiable items.
• Note flaws in logic and organization.
• Identify items that may require permission for reprinting.
• Typecode elements, when a coding system is supplied.
  

Heavy Copy Edit:

• Correct all errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, and usage.
• Point out or revise any awkward phrasing.
• Revise convoluted or wordy passages.
• Ensure consistency in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, list formatting, etc.
• Verify/correct table of contents and numbering of notes or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list.
• Verify/correct alphabetization of bibliography or reference list.
  Check facts and revise or query any errors.
• Note the need for or provide clarification of terms that may be new to the reader.
• Query or fix gaps in logic or faulty organization.
• Note items that may require permission for reprinting.
• Typecode elements, when a coding system is supplied.

Proofreading

Read proof prior to publishing to identify errors introduced in the type-setting process or missed during copy editing. Corrections will be minimal as work submitted for proofreading will have bee n previously edited.

To discuss your project’s needs or request a quote, visit the contact page.