Looking for a copy editor?

1000+ of the most sought-after copy editors in publishing are on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Meet the copy editors behind bestsellers

A copy editor does more than address grammatical errors. They improve your manuscript's readability, ensure your book adheres to the right style sheet, and fine-tune your prose.

On Reedsy, meet editors with years of copy editing experience at Big 5 publishers. Our editors have an ear for beautiful, readable sentences and understand the ins and outs of different style guides.

Teresa G.

Available to hire

I am a passionate and meticulous editor specialising in children's books, currently working as Senior Editor at a top 5 UK publisher.

Crystal B.

Available to hire

I write and edit award-winning children's books for publishers. I coach aspiring writers to help them create a professional manuscript.

Susannah W.

Available to hire

Skilled and creative editor with 15+ years' in non-fiction publishing, specialising in arts, culture, heritage, design and architecture.

John H.

Available to hire

College-certified thriller, crime, and historical fiction editor for 10+ years. I believe professionalism and courtesy make projects work.

Dick H.

Available to hire

Experienced London-based editor of fiction (novels, short stories, plays), biography, art and culture and personal statements.

What can you expect from a Reedsy copy editor?

A copy editor is a type of editor who polishes a piece of writing, ensuring it's error-free, consistent in style, and readable. While they do check grammar and punctuation, they primarily focus on improving clarity, cohesion, and accuracy while adhering to established style sheets. 

On Reedsy, you can expect for editors to thoroughly go through your text, making changes that include eliminating redundancies while making sure that your own personal style remains intact through smaller details such as hyphenation and capitalization.

Importantly, a copy editor will also strengthen the prose throughout. They will substitute weak words, phrases, and sentences with powerful alternatives, often restructuring sentences for improved clarity. Once your manuscript has been copy edited, it will become more efficient, accurate, and focused on your voice.

Note that while the purview of a copy editor will vary from contract to contract, most copy editors will not handle "big picture" issues such as characterization, plot, or structure. Those responsibilities fall to a developmental editor. Copy editing takes a closer view of a manuscript by focusing on individual sentences and paragraphs.

FAQs

What are the different standards of copy editing?

What is the difference between line editing and copy editing?

Get to know our editors

To get started on your search, meet some of our top-rated editors.

Teresa G.

Bath, UK

I am a passionate and meticulous editor specialising in children's books, currently working as Senior Editor at a top 5 UK publisher.

Specializes in:
Short Story
Picture Books
Children’s Non-Fiction
Non-Fiction
Fiction

Crystal B.

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

I write and edit award-winning children's books for publishers. I coach aspiring writers to help them create a professional manuscript.

Specializes in:
Picture Books
Children's
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction

Edward W.

London, UK

Sensitive, skilful and sharp-eyed editor for major and independent publishers. From concept to completion, I'm your book's new best friend.

Specializes in:
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Non-Fiction
Poetry

Browse thousands of professionals on Reedsy. Search for editors near you

How it works

Browse profiles, request quotes, then collaborate.

Step 1

Apply filters

Reedsy is home to thousands of professionals. Select the specific editing services you need and narrow your search based on your book’s genre and requirements.

Step 2

Browse

Then, browse editors' profiles to find out more about their personalities and past projects.

Step 3

Request quotes

Request quotes from up to five editors at any time. They’ll look at your sample pages to give you a tailored quote as well as a sense of how they work.

Step 4

Collaborate

Once you agree on terms and a timeline, you’ll start collaborating using the many communication and editing tools available on Reedsy.

Reedsy in action

Watch how Reedsy can help you assemble your team in the video below:

Reedsy | Copyediting - Supercharge | 2024-09

Supercharge your sentences

The best copy editors in the industry are on Reedsy. Come meet them.