Copyediting means going through a written work and correcting or pointing out problems in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, consistency, etc. Hiring a copyeditor helps you ensure that your work is polished, professional, and free from errors.

Here at Tempest Writers, we offer copyediting services for both fiction and nonfiction, from novels and short stories to memoirs, essays, academic reports, and more. Depending on what you are looking for, there are three different levels of copyediting:

Light copyediting is similar to proofreading, where the editor goes through a document that is almost ready for publication in order to catch any final mistakes in spelling, punctuation, grammar, or formatting. During a light copyedit, the editor will not usually make any style comments.

Heavy copyediting is similar to what is called line editing, where the editor reads the document for flow, clarity, and style as well as for mechanical errors. During a heavy copyedit, the editor will make or suggest changes at the sentence level, check facts for accuracy, click any embedded links, correct grammar and punctuation, look through any data tables or graphics, and examine indices or biographies.

Medium copyediting is between the other two levels. The editor goes through the document more quickly than in a heavy copyedit, but marks any awkward or unclear passages for the author's attention, as well as correcting grammar and punctuation, looking through graphics or appendices, and flagging any facts that may need to be double checked.

If you're not sure what level of copyediting you need, we would be happy to set up a consultation and a sample edit.

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