Copyedit or Copy Edit?

Unfortunately, in the publishing world, there is no one way to describe anything. Take page layout, for example—I have heard it called typesetting, page composition, formatting, and layout. The resulting pages are then referred to as things like first pass pages, master pages, P1s—and my personal favorite—first pour. For those of you who are still wondering what I am talking about, this is the act of taking manuscript and converting it (through software such as QuarkXpress, InDesign, or FrameMaker) into the initial set of page proofs.

That said, the same thing applies to the simple word copyedit. Who knew that eight little letters could cause such massive confusion, not to mention bitter dispute? Putting aside the fact that the battle rages on as to whether or not it is two words (copy edit) or one (copyedit), many are at odds as to exactly what a copy edit (or copyedit) really is.

So with this in mind, I grabbed my dog-eared copy of The Chicago Manual of Style,15e,and checked the index for entries on copyediting—which I might add is one word in CMOS and two words in the style guide put out by the American Medical Association. Of course to compound matters, the index told me to see Manuscript Editing.

Here is the official definition outlined by CMOS, 15e: Manuscript Editing, also called copyediting or line editing, requires attention to every word in a manuscript and the ability to make quick, logical, and defensible decisions . . . . It may include both mechanical and substantive editing.

Huh? Clear as mud if you ask me.

While some industry folks call them by official names such as a line edit (when the editor looks at the piece line by line, clearing up mechanical issues), or a content edit (when the editor looks at the content (substance) of a piece), I prefer a much simpler route. Using the CMOS definition above, let’s say that a copyedit can be as light as a simple spelling and grammar check or as heavy as to include fixing organizational issues, rephrasing material, and clarifying muddled speech.

Here at RJC, we elect to take the easy road and simply suggest a numerical level needed. If you are a true writing professional, a number one is intended for you. If your writing skills are lacking, but you still have a great story to tell, a level four is most likely well suited. In practice, most will fall within either the level two or level three categories.

It is my hope that someday soon the entire publishing industry will unite and decide upon a standard set of conventions. Until that time, take a number!

For those of you with questions regarding editorial services, feel free to email me at MJ@selfpublishing.com.

Last 5 posts by Margaret Jennings

• Why a Copy Editor Instead of a 10th-Grade English Teacher? - September 20th, 2007
• Choosing the “Perfect” Service Provider - March 4th, 2006
• The Power of a Comprehensive Editorial Evaluation - January 3rd, 2006
• What’s Behind a Proofread? - December 6th, 2005
• Finding the Right Manuscript Editor - September 11th, 2005