Copy editing is a most important and time-consuming task for those involved in the field. It requires the sensitive editorial handling of print material of every kind. And it requires the editors close attention to a documents every detail, its format, and all of its elements; a thorough knowledge of what to look for and of the style to be followed as desired by the author or client; and the ability to make quick, logical, objective, justifiable, and defensible decisions in the correction of spelling, grammar, punctuation, terminology, sentence structure, clarity, conciseness, tone and voice, inconsistencies, and typographical errors. Valued editors are those who know editorial and factual things that others dont know and who offer keen understanding of an authors need to advance communication.
To begin with, copy editors are thoroughly familiar with and comfortable applying the universally accepted editorial and typographic marks and symbolsas described in the Chicago Manual of Style and summarized under proofreaders marks in Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, 11th editionthat are commonly understood by compositors working in English.
The editorial function...