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Copy editing matters, both during peer review and after publication. Typographical errors, grammar mistakes, and translation inconsistencies can make your manuscript difficult to understand and slow down peer review and publication. A clean and correct manuscript can do the opposite, minimizing delays throughout the process. But copy editing isn’t always easy. |
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“Learn to enjoy this tidying process.”
- William Zinsser |
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Meeting the challenges of copyediting and proofreading |
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Challenge #1: Trouble spotting errors |
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After dozens of read-throughs, catching errors can become more difficult. To avoid accidentally skimming over mistakes, try reading your manuscript aloud. Or, for a radically new perspective, try reading your manuscript in reverse order, one sentence at a time. This trick forces you to focus on the sense and structure of each passage without rushing ahead. | | | | |
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Challenge #2: Writing in another language |
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If you have a budget available, consider a professional translation service that can match your paper to an editor with discipline-specific experience. If not, use the EASE guidelines for translation to proofread the article. Whatever you do, don’t rely on text translators alone! | | | | |
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Challenge #3: Struggling with syntax and grammar |
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Keeping your sentence structure simple should help avoid complicated grammatical problems—but when discussing complex scientific topics, simplicity isn’t always realistic. If you’re struggling, check with the journal to see whether they offer a copy editing service. If not, consider hiring an outside copyeditor. | | | | |
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TIP
When in doubt:
Ask a colleague for help
If you have someone you can ask it’s a great idea to get feedback on your writing. Be specific about what you’re hoping for help with:
☐ Start with the context
☐ Give a timeline
☐ Share your own opinion
☐ Ask for the kind of feedback you want |
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What’s next?
We’ll be taking a break from the Toolbox for the next few weeks. In January, we’ll be back with brand-new series exploring broader publishing topics like choosing the journal that’s right for you, passing journal checks, and responding to reviewers. We hope you’ll join us! | |
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