Copy editing focuses on polishing a manuscript by addressing grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax to ensure technical accuracy. It also ensures consistency in style, tone, and formatting, aligning with established guidelines or the author’s preferences. This meticulous process ensures that the writing is clear, professional, and ready for publication. Unlike line editing, copy editing focuses only on the technical elements from the Chicago Manual of Style, leaving words and word order unchanged.
Specific items addressed in a copy editing service:
- Spelling and Hyphenation
- Punctuation (includes comma usage, dialogue punctuation, em dashes, dashes, ellipses, parentheses, and brackets)
- Capitalization (titles, proper nouns, initials, and acronyms)
- Numbers and Dates (spelled or not, date formatting, time formatting)
- Italics and Bold (titles of works, foreign words, emphasis)
- Formatting (headings, subheadings, lists, spacing, and indentation)
- Special Terms and Languages (glossary, consistency, cliches)
- Author Preferences (custom rules, areas needing extra attention, and preferred changes)
- Notes from the Editor (recommended clarifications, suggestions, and summary of all edits)
All services come with a one-hour Zoom meeting to review edits at the request of the author.
Ask for a two-page sample today and determine if we are a fit for your editing needs.
Prices as listed may not be accurate. Cost averages $0.006 per word.
If you combine line editing and copy editing, receive a $0.003 per word discount and lock in the rate of $0.013.