copy editing
phrasePronunciation: /ˈkɒpi ˈɛdɪtɪŋ/
Also written as: CE
The process of reviewing and correcting written material for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style consistency. It focuses on improving clarity and readability while preserving the author's voice and meaning.
Full Definition
A crucial stage in the editorial workflow that involves systematic examination and revision of manuscripts to ensure linguistic accuracy, stylistic consistency, and adherence to publication standards. Copy editors address mechanical errors, improve sentence structure, verify factual consistency, check references and citations, and ensure compliance with style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago Manual of Style. This process occurs after content editing but before proofreading, serving as quality control to prepare manuscripts for publication. In academic journal management, copy editing ensures that accepted articles meet professional standards and maintain the journal's reputation for quality.
Plain English
Carefully checking and fixing writing to make sure it's correct, clear, and follows the right style rules before it gets published.
In Editorial Context
A critical production stage where manuscripts undergo detailed linguistic review to ensure consistency with journal style, proper citation formatting, and adherence to editorial guidelines, typically performed by specialized copy editors before final layout and publication.
Etymology & History
Evolved from newspaper and publishing industry practices as mass media required standardized editorial processes to ensure consistent quality and readability across publications.
Originally distinguished from proofreading as publishing processes became more complex; digital publishing has expanded the role to include formatting and metadata verification.
Usage
"All accepted manuscripts undergo thorough copy editing to ensure they meet our journal's style guidelines and maintain consistent formatting throughout each issue."
Usage note: Distinguish from content editing (structural changes) and proofreading (final error checking); timing in workflow is crucial for efficient production.
Context: publishing workflow, editorial processes, manuscript preparation, quality control, production schedules
Region: international
Also known as
Don't confuse with
Proofreading occurs later and focuses only on final errors, while content editing addresses structural and organizational issues; copy editing sits between these stages focusing on language mechanics.