Copy Editing

Copy editing becomes an essential component of papers, dissertations and essays particularly in higher degree subjects when content and syntax become significantly more complicated. Choosing a qualified friend to undertake copy editing is fine if you have one. Some students find they must turn to a professional for help with copy editing. While that may seem a bit scary financially most students will be surprised at how economical professional copy editing can be. In addition a student can choose to undertake his or her own macro edit and just hire a professional for the micro edit. In that way the student saves time and money, ends up with a well articulated paper and does it without breaking the bank.

The differences between a macro edit and a micro edit in copy editing is sufficiently huge that students are well served by familiarizing themselves with the differences.

Micro Editing

Micro editing is all about scanning and correcting text for appropriate language (grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, clarity of expression) and consistency (both language and visual consistency). Of course spell check and program grammar functions will help - but there are quite a few typos and grammatical errors that software can’t detect. These functions are helpful but should not be used to replace reading and re-reading the document in multiple rounds of copy editing.  

Macro Editing

Macro-editing, in addition to the latter, involves reviewing the overall structure, content, language and style of the document to ensure that these are appropriate for the intended function and readership of the paper. In addition to the usual spell-check functions, turn on grammar functions and readability statistics to ensure that work is written for the appropriate readership level and in a non-passive voice. These options are available through preferences in most word processing programs.

Verifying Sources & the Extras

Another important part of copy editing is verification of sources. Every good paper writer and researcher understands the importance of verifying information, statistics and sources and although these should be reliable even at the outset, it is important to ensure that data hasn’t changed and to double check the accuracy of all project details. One wrong set of variables can ruin an entire project.

If you are a student undertaking copy editing on your own, when feasible, leave the paper for a stretch and then return to it with a clear mind and sight. If that isn’t possible having someone edit the work for you is a wise decision because it is nearly impossible to properly edit your own work to an excellent standard without allowing some time to pass.

When copy editing don’t forget to double check the extras. It is remarkable how often people who have meticulously copy edited content will forget these: the table of contents, in-text citations, footnotes, references and even the header/footer and cover pages.

Copy editing is a challenge, especially if you are pressed for time and must undertake this task soon after completion of writing. If this is the case and you are unable to complete an edit with ‘fresh eyes’ it does make sense to employ the services of a copy editing professional. He or she will add final polish to your hard work and ensure that your paper has the professional presentation it requires to keep readers’ attention focused on the content and not the style and polish – or lack thereof. As stated earlier, it is likely to cost less than you think although students with friends or relatives with a strong English footing will probably be able to produce decent copy editing for less or for nothing.