what is copyediting

Copyediting is the process of revising written material to improve readability, accuracy, clarity, and fitness, as well as ensuring that a text is free of grammatical and factual errors. It is a crucial step in the writing and publishing process that gets a text ready for publication. Copyediting involves checking for mistakes, inconsistencies, repetition, and ensuring that the text is fit for its purpose, easy to understand, and has no inconsistencies. Copy editors are responsible for polishing the copy so that it’s clear while retaining the author’s voice and meaning. They check for and correct errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, tone and style deviations, wordiness, clunky transitions, problematic or misused words, uneven flow, and ensure that statements logically flow from one sentence to the next while keeping the content accessible to its intended readership. Copyediting is not just about fixing grammar and dodgy formatting, but it also ensures consistency and improved readability. Copyediting is the final step before production and should be done after all other edits take place.