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Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Copyediting Specification

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒpieɪdɪtɪŋ ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

A detailed set of instructions and guidelines provided to copyeditors defining the specific standards for grammar, style, formatting, and consistency to be applied to accepted manuscripts. These specifications ensure uniform presentation across all publications in a journal.

Plain English

Written guidelines that tell copyeditors exactly how to edit accepted manuscripts for grammar, style, and format consistency.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootcopy (from Latin 'copia') + edit (from Latin 'editus') + specification (from Latin 'specificare')
First recorded use1990s
Usage frequencyCommon

Usage

"The journal's copyediting specification requires all references to follow APA format and consistency in terminology."

Style guide notes: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun.

Also known as

style guidelines editing standards copyedit instructions

Contrasted with

editorial discretion unspecified editing

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What are copyediting specifications?

Detailed instructions for editors on grammar, style, formatting, and consistency standards for manuscript preparation.

Who creates copyediting specifications?

Editorial teams or publishing houses develop these based on journal standards and publisher requirements.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Critical for copyeditors and editorial managers responsible for manuscript preparation and quality standards.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON