hat is a copy editor? A good copy editor is your partner in polishing your manuscript in preparation for publication (fiction, nonfiction, journal articles). She can help make the difference between an agent or editor dropping your work in the slush pile, or continuing to read beyond the first five pages.

Your copy editor reads your work thoroughly, line by line, checking for more than just spelling and grammar mistakes. She ensures that your characters remain consistent throughout the story, that the setting and plot details are plausible, and that your voice and style are consistent to the end.

Examples of how a copy editor can help your manuscript:

She helps ensure that your character doesn't have brown eyes on
page three and green eyes on page 153.
She helps keep the details of your fantasy world consistent, such
as the types of magic used and the methods for invoking spells.
She keeps an eye out for anachronisms in historical fiction, such as
technology or slang that did not exist in the period portrayed.
She points out that a horse can't gallop for twelve hours straight,
so your characters have to take breaks while travelling.
She keeps your narrative from slipping into third person when it
began in first, and points out instances of "head-hopping".

So why do I need a copy editor?

If you've already got an agent or publisher, you probably don't need to pay for an independent copy edit. But if you have just begun the process of searching for an agent or publishing house to accept your work, you would undoubtedly benefit from having an independent, professional pair of eyes closely examine your manuscript. If you are self-publishing your work, you certainly need to have a professional copy edit performed.