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Basic Technical IVT

Copyediting Specification Sheet

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒpieditɪŋ ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ʃiːt/

A detailed document provided to copyeditors outlining the journal's style guidelines, formatting conventions, and specific requirements for a given manuscript. It includes instructions on reference formatting, abbreviations, terminology, and any special handling required for the publication.

Plain English

A guide that tells copyeditors exactly how to format and edit a manuscript according to the journal's standards.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish, Latin
Rootcopy (matter to be printed); edit (from editio, edition); specialis (particular)
First recorded use1990s
Usage frequencyUncommon

Usage

"The copyediting specification sheet required all equations to be formatted using LaTeX and citations in IEEE style."

Style guide notes: Hyphenate 'copyediting' when used as an adjective; use 'copyeditors' or 'copy editors' depending on journal preference.

Also known as

style sheet copy editing guide formatting specification

Contrasted with

open editing freestyle editing

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a specification sheet include?

Style guidelines, reference formats, terminology preferences, abbreviations, and any manuscript-specific instructions.

When is a specification sheet created?

Typically after peer review acceptance, when manuscripts enter production and copyediting stages.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Important for understanding the detailed production phase and quality control in editorial management.

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