Advanced copy editing

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Advanced copy editing

• Edinburgh 2004

Harriet G MacLehose Laura Mellor
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Outline

• Introduction to copy editing
• Practical exercise 1 Spot the mistakes
• Module deadlines and communicating with reviewers
• Practical exercise 2 Using the Cochrane Style
  Guide

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What is copy editing?

• technical editing
• subediting
• following the Cochrane Style Guide

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What does this actually mean?

• Grammar and spelling
• References
• Punctuation
• Numbers are the same in the MetaView, Results,
  and Abstract
• Text under all appropriate headings
• House style

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What copy editing is not

• Scientific editing (of ideas or methods)

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Why do we copy edit?

• Easier to read
• Fewer mistakes
• Readers and reviewers know what to expect
• Accurate information (dont mislead)
• Professional look

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Practical exercise 1 Spot the mistakes
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Module deadlines

• Agree a realistic editorial deadline with the
  reviewer
• Try to spread the copy editing workload over as
  much time as you can
• Set a realistic deadline for copy editing within
  your review group
• Recognise that copy editing too quickly will
  compromise the quality

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Communicating with reviewers (1)

• Reassure reviewer that the copy editor will not
  change the meaning of his/her work
• Emphasise the benefits of copy editing (enhances
  clarity and readability, gives the reviewers
  work a professional look)

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Communicating with reviewers (2)

• Make a list of items you need to check with
  reviewer as you do the copy editing
• Communicate changes clearly
• Be tactful when suggesting changes, and be
  prepared to justify the changes you have made

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Practical exercise 2 Using the Cochrane Style
Guide
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Dont forget the basics

• Make sure you have everything you need before you
  start
• Make sure the review has no missing sections (be
  as sure as you can that you have the latest
  version of the review)
• Agree a realistic deadline with the reviewer
• The copy editors role is to add clarity to the
  text while retaining the style of the author

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Questions?

• Should I copy edit on screen or on paper?
• Should I track the copy edits in Word and then
  ask the reviewer to include them?
• Where can I get help?