Why a writer will always need another person to look at what they've written...
We’ve all seen it online—typos can be hilarious! But they can also make the writer look very stupid. Especially when they’re trying to get a point across.
Sometimes it can be damaging to the subject.
If there is anything at stake, even if it’s just reputation, you need a copy editor, or at the very least, a proofreader. It’s not a sign of weakness to hire someone to edit and correct your work; it’s just the opposite actually. It makes your writing stronger and more professional, which is an absolute must in the case of query letters, job applications, or college-entrance essays, where a single mistake can send your hard work straight into the trash bin. At the very least, you may just look like a fool.
It’s a copy editor’s job to look for many things, including errors in spelling, typing, punctuation, grammar, omitted or repeated words or letters, tense shifts; the list goes on. As copy editors are generally very detail-oriented, they will also check for font changes, margin alignment, headings, pagination, and other formatting issues, though these are issues taken up with the designer.
A content editor is one who makes changes to the, you guessed, the content to help the story flow better. They may cut out large parts of the story or rearrange it to be more engaging. A copy editor will correct what is written. No alterations to the story are made unless it is to correct poor grammar. A good copy editor will point out and recommend structural changes for the author to make themselves so as the voice of the author is not lost.
Copy editing is the very last step before publication or assessment. Revisions are made to the final draft by the content or developmental editors, and then the copy editor double checks everything, looking for any little mistake or omission and for aesthetics and linguistics.
Even established authors need their work copy edited. It’s not a good idea for the writer to try and edit it themselves. The writer cannot get enough distance from his own work to see what may have been missed. The writer can also be too attached to be able to make any hard changes. Having someone else read an unfinished manuscript or essay is a better idea. Even a friend or family member may be able to spot what’s been missed. The best plan is to hire a professional who has no emotional attachment and no bias to the writing.
A writer can pour an awful lot of himself into a story or book and can place the value on the story itself and come to the conclusion that it does not need editing. While good content is indeed a very important, if not the most important, part, if a reader is not able to get past typos and poor grammar, its purpose will never be realized. Some people don’t mind typos and spelling mistakes, but it comes down to professionalism. If the writer doesn’t really mind who reads his work or what people think of it, then write on. However, if the writer is interested in getting published, picking up an agent, getting into college, getting publicity, or being taken seriously as a writer, a copy editor will make that more possible and ensure that the reader will be able to be fully immersed in what they’re reading.
A copy editor no longer needs to have a physical manuscript in front of them and mark it up with a red pen. It’s a simple process to receive a digital copy of a manuscript and make the corrections using Track Changes in a Word program. The writer can then choose to accept or reject the changes, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. It is good in that the author has a choice in the changes. It is bad in that the author can possibly reject credible changes simply because they don’t like them without much thought if the edit is technically correct. It’s a good idea for the author to stay in touch with the copy editor about any changes, as there may be a rule being applied that the author may not know about.
It is always best for the writer to do what is best for the manuscript and vision, but I highly recommend paying a copy editor to make it the very best it can be to ensure success.
The best of luck and, as always, happy writing!
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