Copyediting

Most business writers, technical writers, and administrative assistants have to edit documents created by themselves or others. Typically, there are two main types of edits:

• Technical/content edits - Is the content complete and accurate?
• Copyedits - Is the text grammatically correct, checked for spelling, consistent in usage, and appropriately formatted? Is the text consistent with illustrations?

Copyediting is kind of a pain, but some things help:

• Checklists for items like consistency of headings, consistency of line spacing, and consistency of about a hundred other things. Click this link for an example: http://www.orrnet.biz/TW Course - Free/Week 8 DevelopmentProductionUsability/Editing Checklists.doc
• Using copyediting symbols when marking up paper copy for edits. Using these ensures consistent understanding of the editorial intention at the time the changes are implemented in the word processor. Click here to download a copyediting symbols chart: http://www.orrnet.biz/TW%20Course%20-%20Free/Week%208%20DevelopmentProductionUsability/Copyediting%20Symbols.doc
• Using online editing tools like MS Word's Track Changes feature. This toolset helps eliminate paper and allows group editing. See Word help documentation.