Know the Difference - Copyediting

What is Copyediting?

There is considerably more to editing than what you may have expected. That's understandable because when most people think of editing, they think of this, copyediting. Correcting the  grammar, spelling and punctuation. Where grammar nazis rule the world with their Oxford commas and red marks all over the pages. Muah ha ha! Ahem. Sorry. Copyediting is that, but it also handles errors that affect the accuracy and quality of your work.

Copyediting focuses on:

- Each sentence
- Grammar
- Word usage
- Spelling
- Syntax
- Numerals
- Font changes or spacing
-Descriptive inconsistencies

- Punctuation
- Active/Passive voice
- Jumping tenses
- Fact-checking (when needed)
- Consistent style and format
- Semantics
- Capitalization

Not all minds are the same and that is made quite clear when I try to copyedit. That is why I leave any copyediting in the proficient hands of my copyeditor, Barbara. Copyeditors have minds that can remember all those grammar rules, knows when the author has jumped tenses, and understands syntax, as a result, the cost of said skills are reflective of the level of work. The average rate for this kind of service starts out at $0.02 - $0.029/word for fiction*. For a 70,000 word manuscript you are looking at $1,400 - $2,030, minimum. That's a major investment for your book. With price tags like this, it is vital for an author to find the best editor, so he or she doesn't have to repeat this process in the future.

Here are a couple of tips to help with finding the right copy editor for the third step in publishing your book.

1. Cheaper isn't always better.
   There are a lot of editors who claim they can do a copyedit on your book for 0.005/word - that's half a penny - to 0.01/word. All that work for 1/2 of the price of other editors sounds like an amazing deal, right? Unfortunately no. Most of those editors either don't have any experience, lack the skill set needed, or will simply run your manuscript through an AI program to keep their 'labor' costs down.
   
   
2. Find an editor with experience editing novels. 
   Not every copy editor is built the same. Copyeditors for journals, newspapers or even professors have different editing instincts and tend to be trained to fit their environments. Most times they are more strict, needing or wanting to stick to APA or Chicago Manual of Style standards. They aren't able to connect with the work as deeply or able to work on prose because they are usually pressed for time. Copyeditors for novels aren't necessarily as strict and have varied experience with content, length of the manuscript, and tone. They have more contact with the author and can have a bit more time to help the prose of the novel, if needed. Now, does that mean that professors, for example, couldn't copyedit your work? No, but it's important to know the potential affect it can have on how your manuscript is edited.
   
   
3. Interview the editor.
   Editing in general costs a pretty penny, so the right fit for you and your book is important. Since copyediting is not typically genre specific, unless you need a lot of fact-checking or research done, it doesn't typically need a video chat prior to being hired. Some editors may still offer a video chat, but most will be happy to answer any question you have and provide samples of their previous work instead. They may also opt to do a quick read of your first chapter, mark up a line or two as examples of their copyediting style for you and send an email with their comments as part of the interview process. Some copyeditors have credentials to back their experience while others have learned on-the-job. One does not necessarily trump the other, except maybe in the price tag, so focusing on their experience, the samples provided and their grasp of grammar, is the most vital part of the interview process. Ask the editor how the editing process works, as well. Lastly, not every editor will offer the same things, (e.g. will it cost extra depending on the shape of my manuscript?), so comparing those aspects also can help you decide which editor is best for you.
   
   

Now that you know what makes copyediting different, the work that is put into each manuscript and tips on how to find the best editor for you, go find them! I, of course, hope that Barbara is the best editor for you and your book, but if not, we still want you to put your best book forward.

Write without fear. Edit without mercy.

- Joanna, Owner/Developmental Editor/Line Editor

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*Standard editorial rates are based on rates provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association 2020 survey.