What is Copy Editing?

Copy editing is the detailed grammatical refinement a manuscript receives, usually after developmental editing and line editing. It focuses on the finer details, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, fact-checking, and style, while also catching issues such as dangling modifiers and unclear wording.

Mastering the many conventions of the English language and The Chicago Manual of Style takes time, practice, and dedication. Drossless Editing provides a fresh set of professional eyes to help ensure your manuscript is polished, consistent, and ready for its next step toward publication.

Removing the Dross. Revealing the Brilliance.

Types of Editing.

  • Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your manuscript, including plot, structure, pacing, characters, and overall story development.

    It helps identify what is and isn’t working before moving on to the finer details of editing.

  • Line editing focuses on the way your writing sounds and flows, improving sentence structure, word choice, clarity, and overall readability.

    It helps strengthen the prose while making each line feel polished and purposeful.

  • Copy editing is where your manuscript gets its grammatical glow-up, with close attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, and style.

    It polishes the details that can distract readers, strengthens clarity and professionalism, and helps ensure your writing is clean, consistent, and ready to shine.

  • Proofreading is the final polish before publication, catching any lingering typos, punctuation mistakes, spelling errors, and formatting issues.

    It gives your manuscript one last careful inspection to make sure everything is clean, polished, and ready for readers.

Knowing what type of editing your manuscript needs is vital.

Drossless Editing specializes in copy editing, but if that’s not what your book needs, don’t worry! Send me a message, and I’d be happy to connect you with an incredible editor who’s the right fit.

It can also be stressful if you’re not sure what type of editing your manuscript needs. If you feel lost, reach out and schedule an interview—we’ll chat and determine where it is in the editing process.

Let’s Get Refining.

Step #1

Editing Consultation
$0.00

During your complimentary consultation, we’ll chat about your manuscript, writing experience, goals, and where your project is in the editing process. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what you’re looking for in an editor. Together, we’ll determine the best next step for your manuscript.

Let’s meet up and unearth your story!

Copy Editing
$0.00

After a consultation, we’ll get started on preparing your manuscript for the editing process. I’ll carefully work through your manuscript, focusing on grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, and style. You’ll receive your document with tracked changes and comments so you can easily see what was edited and why.

Let’s give your story the cut and polish it deserves.

Sample Chapter
$0.00

Not sure what to expect from copy editing? I offer a free 500-word sample edit so you can see my quality editing and the kind of feedback you’ll receive. It’s a great way to get a feel for the process before deciding to move forward.

Send a Message
Copy Editing Form
Consultation Form

Step #2

Step #3

  • "The copy editing helped the project stay consistent and weeded out overused words . . . The concepts and ideas that I wanted stayed. In the end I liked it a lot more."

    - Purple Acorn -

  • "Lydia’s copy edit was clear and direct. Many of her suggestions came with explanations, which I found helpful. Where needed, she would give multiple options for correcting the errors. Her insight was incredibly helpful, particularly for my chaotic little story."

    - Sarah -

  • "I think that the editor and the edits respected my work and brought the story closer to my vision for the project."

    - Purple Acorn -