WHERE DOES THE COPYEDITOR COME IN?

Question 1

Where does the copyeditor come in?

Answer 1

The copyeditor comes in at a relatively early stage, helping to ensure that the publication document (in print or electronic form) is ‘fit for purpose’ when published. Proofreading occurs quite late on in the publication process, and proof-editing could be done early or late on in the schedule, depending on the client and structure of their workflow.

Question 2

1. Evaluation and acceptance

Answer 2

• Includes peer review and consideration of budget, market and publication date.

Question 3

2. Production begins

Answer 3

• Schedule and budget are finalised and suppliers found (if not already in place).
• Design template created.
• Marketing begins.
• This is when you may be contacted, if you are lucky.

Question 4

3. Copyediting (in house or outsourced)

Answer 4

• Includes checking for sense, clarity, accuracy, consistency and readability, imposing house style and coding structural elements for the next stage.

Question 5

4. Design/typesetting

Answer 5

• Formatting and page make-up by designer/typesetter in house, or more usually, outsourced.

Question 6

5. Proofreading (by author and proofreader/journal editor)

Answer 6

• Includes checking for errors, accuracy, consistency, aesthetic considerations.
• Collation of marks on to one set of proofs by copyeditor or project manager.
• Books only: index is compiled by author or (preferably) freelance indexer.

Question 7

6. Correction and finalisation

Answer 7

• Files corrected by typesetter
• Amendments checked on revised (second) proofs
• Proofs requiring heavy correction may require more than one proofing stage
• Final corrected file sent to printer

Question 8

7. Printing, binding and publishing

Answer 8

• Books: ebook edition may be published simultaneously or later
• Journals: article may be released online, sometimes several weeks before print publication
• Simultaneous online publishing is now common for books and journals