what is copy editing

Copy editing is the process of revising written material to improve readability and fitness, as well as ensuring that a text is free of grammatical and factual errors. It is a comprehensive process that involves reviewing and correcting the text for grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and style. The objective of copy editing is to polish the copy so that it’s clear while retaining the author’s voice and meaning. Copy editors are responsible for identifying and fixing errors related to grammar, spelling, tone and style deviations, wordiness, clunky transitions, confusing syntax, problematic or misused words, uneven flow, and more. They also ensure that statements logically flow from one sentence to the next while keeping the content accessible to its intended readership. Copy editing has three levels: light, medium, and heavy, and the chosen type of editing will help the copy editor prioritize their efforts. Copy editors are also the gatekeepers that uphold a publication’s tone and style rules, enforcing cohesion within an individual work as well as across all works under the publication. They are advocates for the readers and are considered the "first readers" as well as the “last line of defense” . Proofreading, on the other hand, is the final step in the editing process and involves checking the text for any remaining errors such as typos, misspellings, and grammatical mistakes.