jacksonarmstrong.com

So you’ve finished writing the copy for your website.

Congratulations! Writing effective copy without the help of an experienced copywriter can be a daunting task.

At this point, to insure the quality of the copy, you should consider handing it over to a copyeditor. A copyeditor checks written material before publication for errors in grammar, spelling, usage, and style.

And, if requested, he or she may alter the structure of the copy where appropriate, and rewrite wordy or convoluted sections in keeping with the author’s original intent and voice.

However, before you hand the copy over to the copyeditor, it’s important to be honest about the quality of the text. How much more work does the copy need? Does it need a simple proofread? Or will it require more extensive work?

If you’re not sure, ask the copyeditor. He or she will recommend one of three levels of copyediting. Each level determines the extent of editing required by the copy. But remember you have the final say. Decide which level you think is appropriate and make that clear to the copyeditor so he or she doesn’t make any unexpected changes to the document.

Let’s take a look at the three levels of copyediting-light, medium, and heavy.

Light Copyediting (Baseline Editing)

Light copyediting involves one or two quick passes through the document. Unless otherwise directed, the copyeditor performs the following duties:

• Corrects faulty grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Corrects faulty usage (i.e. affect for effect).
• Ensures consistency in spelling, font, numerals, hyphenation, and capitalization.
• Points out paragraphs that seem convoluted or wordy, but does not revise.
• Queries facts and statements that seem incorrect.
• Note text, tables, or illustrations that may require permission to reprint.

A light copyedit does not involve changing the structure of the document, smoothing transitions, revising wordy or convoluted patches, or writing headers. If you think your document needs help with these issues, consider the next level of copyediting.

Medium Copyediting

Medium copyediting involves at least two passes through a document and some minor rewriting where obvious problems arise in the text. To be exact, the copyeditor performs the following duties:

• Completes all tasks of a light copyedit.
• Identifies advisable alterations to the structure or organization of the document.
• Points out wordy or convoluted passages, and suggests revisions.
• Queries facts that seem incorrect, and uses books and online resources to verify content.
• Queries gaps in structure or logic.

A medium copyedit does not involve altering the structure or organization of the material, rewriting wordy or convoluted patches, or fixing incorrect facts. If your copy requires help with these issues, consider the highest level of copyediting.

Heavy Copyediting

Heavy copyediting requires extensive involvement with the text and may include heavy revisions of the language and structure. The copyeditor performs the following duties:

• Completes all tasks of a medium copyedit.
• Provides needed alterations to the structure of the text for author to review.
• Corrects all errors in grammar, usage, and syntax.
• Rewrites any convoluted or wordy sections.
• Verifies and revises incorrect facts.
• Fixes structural and logical gaps.

A heavy copyedit should improve the flow of the document along with the spelling, grammar, and usage. But ultimately, the goal of any copyeditor is to maintain the author’s original voice and intent.

Conclusion

There you have it-the three levels of copyediting. Figure out which level your copy requires, and soon you’ll be on your way to more professional, polished content for your website.

And if you’re looking for an experienced copyeditor, consider visiting my contact page. I’d be happy to assist you with your project.