You’re not alone if your manuscript or article needs more love than you can give it. The ugly truth is that most people can’t effectively self-edit their writing, and a fresh pair of professional eyes is the best way to take your work to the next level.
Have you decided you’re in dire need of an editor? That’s a good first step! Keep reading to make sure you’re after a copy editor rather than a developmental editor, and to find out how to pick the right one.
The duties of a copy editor
Experienced copy editors are masters of their craft, but writers looking for “an editor” should know that multiple distinct types of editors exist, each with their own professional focus.
Copy editors zoom in on the small details. These professionals look at the flow of your sentences and paragraphs and suggest changes that make your work more effective or beautiful. Copy editors also look out for spelling errors, typos, tense errors, style inconsistencies, and formatting problems. Some offer fact-checking services as well.
These editors typically have a degree in English, Communication, or related fields. They’re sticklers for grammar and passionate about beautiful language.
Copy editors don’t change the substance of your writing by critiquing your plot, character development, setting, or structure. That job falls to developmental editors.
Copy editors and line editors do much of the same work in practice, but line editors devote more time to grammar and syntax than to typos or consistency of style.
Proofreaders comb through the smallest details and make sure no comma or letter is out of place.
Who should hire copy editors
Writers hoping to publish a fiction or non-fiction manuscript should consider hiring a copy editor after a developmental editor has worked on it.
Hiring a copy editor earlier in the process would be a waste of hard work — a little like using fine-grit sandpaper to polish a freshly-chopped piece of wood. A copy editor’s efforts are nullified when you inevitably alter the work’s structure later on.
Writers planning to publish a short text, like a personal essay, brochure, article, or op-ed, may not need developmental editing services and skip ahead to the copy editing process.
Searching for the right copy editor can be tricky
You may be a debut author or small business owner producing articles for your website. You may, in short, need a copy editor but not have a clue where to find one. You’re in luck. Thanks to the internet, you no longer need industry connections. You won’t have to take a gamble on a copy editor you found in the Yellow Pages, either.
Googling skilled copy editors in your niche or geographical area can get you set up with a skilled professional.
Assessing your options
Some people need a copy editor on a one-off basis, while others need copy-editing services on an ongoing basis. The complexity and importance of your work determine how much effort you put into finding the right copy editor. If you’re writing a book, ask yourself these questions as you consider candidates:
- Does the copy editor have proven experience in your genre? How much?
- What is the copy editor’s previous experience? Copy editors who have worked with Big Five publishers may offer an edge, especially if you hope to be traditionally published.
- If your work requires you to adhere to a particular style guide, is the copy editor proficient in it?
- Does the copy editor have excellent references?
- Do you like the copy editor you are interviewing? That’s important because you’ll have an intense working relationship, whether you need a copy editor for a full-length manuscript or for ongoing work on short texts.
- What software is the copy editor comfortable using?
- What services does the copy editor provide? Asking for a scope is vital because some also offer developmental editing, allowing you to streamline the editing process.
- Ask about the copy editor’s rates in advance, and make sure you agree on a deadline.
Yes, a professional really is necessary
Not every piece of writing calls for a copy editor. Personal blog posts, high-school history essays, and cover letters for job applications are all examples of texts that don’t need a copy editor’s touch. Asking a friend, parent, or coworker to give your work a once-over is often good enough.
Aspiring authors (including those planning to self-publish), small business owners producing content for their websites, and newsletter writers may, on the other hand, benefit from engaging a copy editor. Indeed, style, punctuation, and grammar matter even when you’re crafting social media posts, especially if your bottom line could depend on how credible and professional you look.
Here’s a handy rule of thumb — hire a copy editor for any text your future success could depend on.
Think of a copy editor as an impartial professional who is passionate about helping you communicate as effectively and beautifully as you can. No friend or coworker who happens to have a knack for language can replace a skilled copy editor. That’s exactly why former BBC staff are complaining about the trend to engage guest editors who actually aren’t professionals.
Copy editors don’t change the substance of your work. They do ensure it’s the best it can be by zooming in on your sentences and weeding out pesky errors.
Hiring a copy editor is the right choice if you need a short text edited or your full-length manuscript has already gone through developmental edits. Consider copy editors’ experience and rates as you make your pick, and ensure you choose a copy editor with whom you can build a solid working relationship.