Copyediting comes after a work has been written and edited for content, structure and style. As a copyeditor, I go through your text with a fine-toothed comb, focusing not only on the language but on all elements of the text (layout, images, headings, page numbers, references, bibliography, etc.). I work to ensure that your written text is correct and consistent, that the language you use is appropriate for the target audience, and that all other elements are ready and in the right place. Copyeditors often work for publishers to prepare the final copy for the typesetter, but I can also work with individual authors before this stage, for example to prepare a clean text to submit to an agent or publisher. 

As a copyeditor I will:

• make sure the copy (including written text, references and images) is complete;  
• follow and apply the publisher’s style guide where applicable, and prepare my own style guide for the author and/or typesetter;
• ensure spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct and consistent;
• cross-check chapter names and page numbers with the table of contents;
• apply the correct style to paragraph and heading formats; 
• make sure figures and images are properly labelled and positioned in the text; 
• check references and bibliography for consistency;
• suggest final edits to language to avoid unnecessary repetition, and ensure the writing makes sense and reads well;
• for nonfiction writing, double-check factual information and the spellings of names of people, places, etc.;
• for a work of fiction, check that the names and descriptions of characters and other details are constant, the timeline of the narrative is logical, etc.; 
• flag up any potential legal issues, such as copyright or libel. 

Please return to the Editing main page for information on rates.