copyediting

Copyeditors fix grammar and spelling errors; make style choices (like hyphenation, punctuation, and capitalization) consistent; and edit for clarity, logic, and flow — all while retaining the author’s voice. It’s their job to notice when small character details shift halfway through a novel, or when a non-fiction writer spells the name of a political figure wrong. This step happens after developmental editing (which focuses on big-picture things like structure, plot, and adding or deleting content) and before proofreading.

This is my absolute favourite part of the editorial process. I’m someone who’s always loved words, language, and story and is also very technical and analytical. (I did a degree in chemistry before becoming a journalist, after all!) I’ve copyedited hundreds of stories on a wide range of topics in my role as a magazine editor, and have taken copyediting courses at Ryerson (in 2015) and Queen’s (2020) universities. I’m familiar with both the Chicago Manual of Style and Canadian Press Style. While my experience is focused on non-fiction, I’ve also done training in fiction through a course with the Editorial Freelancers Association (2021).

proofreading

Proofreading is the final step before publication, and the last defence against errors in spelling and grammar, formatting issues, or other inconsistencies.

I’ve been doing this careful, methodical work for years as a magazine editor, and currently proofread full-time at Harlequin. I’ve also taken a proofreading course at Simon Fraser University (2021).