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If you’re an author or have anything to do with writing and publishing, you’ve probably heard the term style editing. Yes, it is slightly different from the standard edition and is a long way from proofreading.
If you’re confused, read on to find out what copy editing is, the professional skills required, and the industries that benefit from it.
What is copy editing?
Definitions vary, but all imply that it is the process by which editors ensure that text is correct in terms of spelling, grammar, jargon, semantics, formatting, terminology, and punctuation. This editorial feature also ensures that the writer’s ideas are clear and understandable.
This type of editing refines the written content. Today, in addition to working in print, style editors are widely used for online content in various industries.
With the development of the Internet, copy editing has become more popular. People use these skills to improve their blog posts and product descriptions and increase sales, particularly when it comes to SEO copywriting.
Also, the presence of a copyeditor guarantees the quality and credibility of the content written online.
What do copyeditors do?
Any definition of text editing will reflect that text editors work on a variety of content. While copy editing can be rewarding and interesting, it still requires excellent attention to detail and grammatical skills that come with experience.
People should also have a deadline-oriented mindset.
Also, they work in various industries, which means they must be familiar with the latest trends in their niche.
Copyeditors also work on larger projects and oversee the content production process.
And what does text editing mean when it comes to everyday tasks? Some of the regular duties include:
- Revision of sentences or paragraphs to improve accuracy and clarity
- Guide people through text by moving sections
- Engage readers by repositioning prose
- Simplify unusual terms and ambiguous language
- content format
- Revisions of internal or consolidated style guides
- meet deadlines
The next stage is revision once the copyright editor has completed the text. The reviewer checks for any remaining errors that were missed in the previous step. The review is usually done separately, not by the style editor who has already reviewed the document.
After proofreading, the text is ready for publication or returned to the writer for further information.
If you’ve ever wondered what a copy editor does, you’ll find the answer below.
Follow the style guide when editing
A style guide is a set of standards for writing, editing, and formatting text. There are several industry style guides followed by style editors:
- AMA style guide
- ap style book
- APA style
- california style manual
- The Cambridge Guide to English
- The Chicago Manual of Style, etc.
In addition to these standard guidelines, there may be specific internal guidelines intended to enhance brand voice. The style editor must follow the style instructions during the editing process.
Restructuring copy for better flow
By the definition of copy editing, editors do multiple readings to understand location, context, and key points. Then, they will make the necessary changes to improve readability and improve some sections.
If necessary, the style checker too:
- Restructure the text
- change headers
- move the paragraphs
- Check content length
- Refine the content
- Make sure there is a call to action, etc.
Numerical data for verification of the facts.
Some editors also check the facts. This involves checking numerical information to ensure accuracy. Correct dates, statistics, and other data help build trust with a reader, and sometimes it’s up to the copy editor to ensure accuracy.
However, they usually stop there and do not check other information.
working with writers
Copying change, by definition, includes working with authors and providing feedback. With the right approach, proofreaders help writers improve their research and writing style. Also, because they recommend significant changes, they may return the written piece to the author for correction.
Skills of a good proofreader
Embedded in the editing definition and workflow, editors must have specific skills. These include:
- Deep knowledge of the English language.
- Excellent writing skills
- Ability to connect with the public.
- great attention to detail
- organized mindset
- Good understanding of style guides.
- Balanced edition, keeping the style and tone.
- Good communication
These skills apply to multiple industries, both online and offline. Specific niches that require these skills include publishing, e-commerce, education, technology, and many more. Copy editing also includes working with business documents or academic papers.
Copy editing vs. proofreading
The difference between copyediting and proofreading is that the proofreader works with an almost finished copy to prove that it is ready.
Unlike the style checker, which handles major changes to the text, proofreaders handle minor changes. Proofreaders can also use a grammar checker. Copy editing and proofreading are separate activities. However, it is the proofreader who confirms that the text is ready for publication.
Proofreading is also used across industries whenever you need to check text for typos.
People often use the terms revision and style editing interchangeably. However, they are not the same. The term copy editing is more appropriate when there is plain text that requires editing for clarity, flow, numerical data, brand voice, and other similar revisions.
Instead, the revision is applied once the text is almost complete.
To wrap
The ability to edit copies is in high demand. It’s present everywhere, including magazine print and the ever-growing online publishing industry. However, this form of editing requires specific skills.
For example, copyeditors must have a keen attention to detail, excellent communication, and be prepared to follow industry-specific style guidelines. It involves the restructuring of the text, flow revisions, punctuation, correction, length, etc.
Some editors will be in charge of fact-checking and proofreading, while proofreading tends to be handled by someone else. In general, editing and proofreading are the last two stages in preparing the text for publication.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is the difference between editing and copy editing?
The main difference is in the editor’s approach. When editing content, the person focuses on the big picture and the meaning of the content. When it comes to text editing, the person is more concerned with the technical quality of the text.
What is text editing and proofreading?
The definition of proofreading highlights the fact that it precedes the proofreading stage. It also serves to check the content for significant errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, continuity, etc. On the other hand, proofreading involves removing minor errors from the text and refining it for publication.
What exactly does a copy editor do?
The copy editor has many tasks. For example, they are responsible for restructuring content, headings, paragraph lengths, refining content, ensuring numerical accuracy, readability, flow, and more. They also work with writers and provide feedback.
What is meant by text editing?
It is the stage of the publication process where the text receives significant improvements. Copyeditors check the readability, consistency of writing style, and flow of text. It’s also the time when the editor improves the brand voice and deals with grammar, jargon, and formatting issues.
And now you know what text editing is.
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