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.

Adelé H.

Available to hire

I'm a certified BELS editor who specializes in science textbooks, with 10 years of editing experience at an education publishing company.

Conni F.

Available to hire

Editor-in-Chief guiding experts to confidently publish a book that builds their business & reputation.

Claire R.

Available to hire

Reliable and versatile proofreader and copy editor with a passion for all things Sci-Fi and Dickens.

Penny S.

Available to hire

Deputy Chief Editor then Director of the Oxford English Dictionary; 23 years at the OUP. Now editing texts for a varied range of authors.

Scott C.

Available to hire

Developmental and copy editor specializing in speculative fiction. I love helping writers bring their imaginative worlds to life!

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.

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:
Mystery & Crime
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Literary Fiction
Contemporary Fiction

Sophia B.

London, England, UK

Bloomsbury-published author and editor with 20 years' experience. Copy-editing, development editing, global client base. LGBT+ a speciality.

Specializes in:
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Music
Contemporary Fiction
Non-Fiction

Amy B.

London, UK

Desk Editor with 5+ years in the industry, currently at Pan Macmillan. Send me a message - I’m happy to chat and see if I’m right for you!

Specializes in:
Young Adult
Poetry
Children’s Non-Fiction
Children's
Fiction

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:

Find your match on Reedsy

Reedsy editors are hand-picked for their experience. Perfect your manuscript with their expert help.