Copy editors accomplish the work that The Chicago Manual of Style generally refers to as mechanical editing. In theory, this editing process revolves around the mechanical aspects of written communication, such as correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and checking agreement of subjects and verbs. In practice, copy editors are also expected to check cross-references, watch for tone, transitions, continuity of text, eliminate ambiguity, and verify placement of figures. Some projects require copy editors to perform substantive editing tasks such as suggesting revisions, or reorganizing the structure of the content.

Because copy editing covers such a broad spectrum of editing activities, it is not unusual to subdivide this function further into different levels, which vary according to depth and extent of the edits. However, in terms of quality, cutting back quickly results in substandard editing. That is why Biblioso copy editors always perform a comprehensive and extensive copy editing pass so that we can ensure the quality of our work.

Copy editors typically focus on the following tasks:

• Check overall mechanics and grammar.
• Clean up wordiness and awkward sentence constructions.
• Verify that developmental editor and line editor comments and suggestions are addressed.
• Correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.
• Check for proper use of figure and table callouts, list sequencing, and cross-references.
• Ensure parallel structure at all levels.
• Preserve uniform style and tone for content with multiple authors.
• Eliminate colloquial and trite jargon.
• Check terms and vocabulary lists to ensure correct use.
• Identify missing and redundant content.
• Check cross-references.
• Watch for transitions, continuity of text, and eliminate ambiguity.
• Suggest revisions or content reorganization.

Although developmental and line editing may be skipped in projects with an extremely tight budget, we strongly recommend including a copy editor in every documentation and localization project. Regardless of the author's or translator's experience and skill level, a copy editor is required to ensure quality.