It’s so interesting to learn more about the whole process as I follow your newsletter. I can proofread, but copy editing is a very different thing. I know that you don’t have a fragile ego, but I’m sure a lot of authors do. Kudos to the copy editors, and kudos to the authors who not only accept the input of the copy editors instead of getting their feathers ruffled, but also embrace the input and acknowledge its value. When I read a book, I often find myself thinking “Edit! Edit!” I can often tell when there wasn’t the budget for a good copy editor.
Very interesting Rose, although my first reaction to the “cardinal rule” was why? It seems like they almost make a copy of the book in the process- if I want to read the name Camus, I’ll read it Helen’s book, not their list of characters! But I’m not a budding author so I know I’m missing the point. Being an old retired man now, I often read the acknowledgments although the Authors’s Note at the end of The Aviator’s Wife was far more interesting. Roll on 2025!
I've always read the acknowledgments, or at least skimmed them. I am somewhat trepidatious having to write acknowledgments - and a dedication! - in the next week.
The list of characters and other lists are useful for the copyeditor to ensure they've checked each one and that the relationships and details are consistent. For me and Catherine it's handy, because we intend to have a cast of characters - hopefully illustrated - on the book's support website.
It’s so interesting to learn more about the whole process as I follow your newsletter. I can proofread, but copy editing is a very different thing. I know that you don’t have a fragile ego, but I’m sure a lot of authors do. Kudos to the copy editors, and kudos to the authors who not only accept the input of the copy editors instead of getting their feathers ruffled, but also embrace the input and acknowledge its value. When I read a book, I often find myself thinking “Edit! Edit!” I can often tell when there wasn’t the budget for a good copy editor.
Yes, their work is invaluable both for the author and the reader.
Very interesting Rose, although my first reaction to the “cardinal rule” was why? It seems like they almost make a copy of the book in the process- if I want to read the name Camus, I’ll read it Helen’s book, not their list of characters! But I’m not a budding author so I know I’m missing the point. Being an old retired man now, I often read the acknowledgments although the Authors’s Note at the end of The Aviator’s Wife was far more interesting. Roll on 2025!
I've always read the acknowledgments, or at least skimmed them. I am somewhat trepidatious having to write acknowledgments - and a dedication! - in the next week.
The list of characters and other lists are useful for the copyeditor to ensure they've checked each one and that the relationships and details are consistent. For me and Catherine it's handy, because we intend to have a cast of characters - hopefully illustrated - on the book's support website.
This essay is a delight to read. All hail the copy editors!
Thanks, Betsy.
Wonderful insights, thank you R! I had no idea how much work copyeditong involves. (I'm going hyphen-less.)
Thanks, Sophie. Not long before you reach this stage.
This is a wonderful tribute!
Thanks, Jane!