Good copyediting begins before the first correction. A quick review of the instructions, manuscript structure, and recurring patterns can help editors make more informed and consistent decisions throughout the edit.
When can a grammatically correct edit be the wrong edit? The answer lies in meaning, voice, and editorial judgment—and in knowing when a sentence is better left alone.
When should an editor make a change, and when should the author be consulted? The difference is not always obvious. One seemingly simple edit can clarify a sentence, but another can quietly change what the author intended to say. Knowing where to draw that line is an important part of editorial judgment.
Not every sentence that can be edited should be edited. Discover why experienced copy editors sometimes choose to leave a sentence exactly as it is and how editorial judgment is measured by the quality of decisions rather than the number of tracked changes
Many new copy editors correct the first error they notice. Experienced editors take a different approach. Discover why editing in a deliberate sequence leads to better decisions, fewer revisions, and a more effective copyediting process.
