What is copyediting?
Checking written material for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
Polishing Your Prose: Getting into the Details with Copyediting
Copyediting is the process of meticulously going through written material, whether it be a book, article, or paper, with an eagle-eyed focus on finding and fixing errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
In a way, copyediting is about taking the writer's raw work and polishing it to perfection, ensuring that the final product is not only clear and well-organized, but also free of technical flaws. It's about creating a finished piece that is truly ready for the public eye, one that conveys the writer's intended message in the most effective way possible.
Copyediting is also the stage where a writer's individual voice and style can be further honed. An experienced copyeditor understands the nuances of language and how to preserve the author's unique style while still adhering to the conventions of standard English. The editor can provide helpful suggestions on word choice, sentence structure, and organization, all with the aim of creating a piece of writing that flows smoothly and effectively communicates the author's ideas.
Overall, copyediting is a critical step in the writing process that can turn a piece from merely adequate into a truly polished work of art.
Copyediting plays an important role in ensuring that literature is well-written and error-free. Here are two examples of how copyediting helped make great writing even better:
After its initial publication in 1925, the first edition of The Great Gatsby contained numerous errors and typos. However, when Fitzgerald revisited the novel in 1941 for a reprint, he had the chance to work with a copyeditor to fix these issues and create a more polished version of his masterpiece. The result was a book that is considered a classic of American literature today.
Jennifer Egan's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, A Visit From The Goon Squad, is known for its unconventional structure and shifting perspectives. However, it was only through the work of Egan's diligent copyeditor that the novel was able to maintain its coherence and clarity throughout. The copyeditor ensured that each chapter flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and impactful reading experience for each and every reader.