The main purpose of
copy editing is to ensure text is ready for publishing. Too many people become reliant on their word processor’s spelling and grammar check feature and use only this as a means of conducting a final check. For an educated copy editor, there are other factors that are crucial to ensure that text reads well.
Consistency throughout a document is essential to credibility. There may be no spelling mistakes and the grammar check looks great, but information or details that are not consistent where they should be will make that document look unprofessional.
Print or online publications, as well as website owners that care about quality ensure that all their content has been thoroughly edited.
Copy editors check that factual information is presented professionally and any incorrect fact, they will correct. Other items that copy editors look for include:
- Concise and eloquent text.
- Grammatical errors.
- Confusing information.
- Inconsistent internal facts.
- "COPS" – Capitalization, omissions, punctuality and spelling.
Copy editors are the gateway to the final product. Hiring a copy editor is truly an investment in your business.