At a Glance: Copy Editing

If you don’t know what a misplaced modifier is or the difference between “its” and “it’s,” you’re not alone. But chances are good that at least some of the people who read your copy will. Fortunately, copy editing will rid your text—whether it’s a book manuscript, a project proposal, or product descriptions on an e-commerce site—of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Whether they’re editing on paper or via computer, copy editors work to make your prose perfect. In addition to correcting outright errors, they can suggest ways to improve the overall quality and readability of the writing. They’ll edit work at various stages of completion and in various formats, from hard-copy manuscript to PDF layout—even in WordPress or other content management systems. In addition to being masters of the English language with a keen eye for detail, the copy editors on Upwork often have expertise in specific fields, such as academic, medical, or financial writing, as well as knowledge of standard style guides such as MLA, AP, or Chicago to ensure consistency throughout. When your text needs to be impeccable, a copy editor is essential.