In our online world, copyediting requires more than markup skills. Today’s professional copy editors are decision makers. Yes, we correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, and usage, but we also format documents according to stylesheets, digital style guides, and house guidelines.
Copyediting Work
Copy editors are hired for numerous and varied projects.
- Editorial
- Formatting
- Web copy
- Advertising copy
- Marketing copy
- Press releases
- Special projects
- More — visit this page to see dozens of potential collaborations
Usage Trivia: The Copy Editor vs. Copyeditor Debate
Even the word choice of copy editor vs. copyeditor requires a decision. The AP Stylebook, the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, and the American Copy Editors Society recommend the two-word version.
To make matters even more subjective, the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association all favor the one-word copyedit, while the Associated Press Stylebook 2016 recommends copy edit. No wonder people are confused!
- Copy editor √
- Copyediting √
Personally, I recommend using copy editor and copyediting unless there is a compelling reason not to (client preference). Yet, the one-word version (copyeditor) is also used throughout the writing industry—a house style decision if I ever saw one.
Keep in mind that the type of client industry varies, and so do word choice and usage. In short, house rules win the debate. If your client has a preference, go with that preference. Newspapers, magazines, scholarly periodicals, and informal blogs most likely have their own “take” on these hotly-debated word conundrums, and I follow style guidelines that serve their unique purposes.
Copyediting Resources
- The AP Stylebook
- The Chicago Manual of Style
- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
- The American Copy Editors Society
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
If you have a business or organization and want to impact the public with high-quality writing, look no further for highly qualified copyediting services.