Copy Editing
Copy editors are the language mechanics who polish your book’s text. They work with fiction, nonfiction, and popular genres, as well as children’s and YA. Their goal is to create the most readable version of your book possible.
Copy editors will:
- Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
- Correct factual errors
- Make sure your writing is consistent in tone and style
- Improve the flow of your writing
- Make sure your book is free of plagiarism
Copy editors may not explain all of their changes, but I use Microsoft Word’s “Track Changes” feature so you can see the changes made. This software also has a “Comment” feature where recommendations and questions can be placed without inserting them into the text of the document. If you’re serious about getting your book published, a copy editor is an essential step in the process.
But more than just the manuscript, you get a style sheet. This valuable document makes sure your manuscript is consistent throughout and adheres to the Chicago Manual of Style, the preferred style guide for fiction.
