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Thanks for the replies earlier! There's a misconception that copyediting isn't individualized, meaning copyeditors can simply go on autopilot and just correct grammar mistakes.
So I thought I'd make a quick thread about things I keep in mind while copyediting a novel.
So I thought I'd make a quick thread about things I keep in mind while copyediting a novel.
If I'm copyediting a book I've never worked with, I won't go into it right away. Instead, I'll take some time to read a few pages and skim parts of the book. To do my job well, I have to understand the author's
- voice
- style
- vision
- voice
- style
- vision
Copyediting fiction means if I see a grammatical mistake, I might not correct it.
The words have to fit the narrator's voice, and they must be something the character(s) might realistically say. If a three-year-old is speaking, even if "whom" is correct, it would be jarring.
The words have to fit the narrator's voice, and they must be something the character(s) might realistically say. If a three-year-old is speaking, even if "whom" is correct, it would be jarring.
I'm also looking for consistency. From the start, I have to understand the author's, narrator's, AND characters' tendencies.
Does one POV use "sky" while the other uses "skies"? Does one use their vision more than their sense of smell?
Does one POV use "sky" while the other uses "skies"? Does one use their vision more than their sense of smell?
Consistency also includes logistics. Does the timeline make sense? If the character leaves their house on Monday, it can't be Monday again "three days later" in the next chapter. If someone's sitting in a chair, they can't be getting up from the floor two paragraphs later.
I also look at word consistency! Some authors always write out their words (thirty-three), while others don't (33). I go by what the author/publisher wants and make sure usage is consistent. This also means 9 am isn't the same as nine AM, nine a.m., or 9 AM.
Depending on the extent of editing, I also look at sentence structure. Do the words flow? Is there a rhythm and lilt?
Does it sound redundant because of repetitive sentence structure or did the author use the word "moment" three times in one page?
Does it sound redundant because of repetitive sentence structure or did the author use the word "moment" three times in one page?
The most common mistake I see copyeditors make is over-editing or editing without regard. As editors, we MUST preserve our authors' unique styles and voices. We can't impose our own style or chop up their vision.
Copyediting is more important than most people think it is. If it's done well or badly, it can make or break a book.
That's why it will never be boring or simple. I love my copyediting projects; I love the trust I'm given, and I never want to misuse it.
That's why it will never be boring or simple. I love my copyediting projects; I love the trust I'm given, and I never want to misuse it.
If you found this thread helpful, you can find my other threads on editing/writing here: https://twitter.com/stephiesque/status/1072236805423017985?s=20
You can always hire/book me as an editor and request sample edits via my website, or support me on Ko-fi here: http://ko-fi.com/stephicham
