{"id":8324,"date":"2024-06-20T09:21:52","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T14:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joagency.com\/?p=8324"},"modified":"2024-08-20T08:21:55","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T08:21:55","slug":"copy-editing-isnt-one-size-fits-all","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ilfusion.org\/dev\/joagency\/blog\/copy-editing-isnt-one-size-fits-all\/","title":{"rendered":"Copy Editing Isn\u2019t One Size Fits All"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the world of marketing agencies, I (Caitlin here!) see a lot of talk<\/a> about copywriting and almost nothing about copy editing. I\u2019m not exactly sure why this is \u2026 but I can imagine for nonwriters the topic is as exciting as watching paint dry. In fact, it\u2019s probably only an interesting topic for people who still remember 1) buying their first dictionary at Bookstop (just me?) or 2) looking things up in the encyclopedia for fun (also just me?). Editing and copy editing are the unseen magic that happen between a first draft and final publication. In this week\u2019s blog, let\u2019s talk about copy editing and help you decide if you could use a copy editor as part of your marketing arsenal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between Copywriting and Editing and Copy editing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put \u2014 copywriting is writing aimed at selling a product or service or educating a consumer on a product or service. General editing is the process of reworking a piece of writing to make it a more compelling story or argument. Copy editing is the process of reviewing a text to check for spelling and grammar, as well as ensuring the information is factual and the writing adheres to any specific style guide(s) the business or organization follows. Copy editing and proofreading largely come at the end of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            | Looking for more? Here are two great explanations on the difference between a copywriter and copy editor<\/a> and the difference between an editor and copy editor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I (Caitlin) were to explain it in layman\u2019s terms, writing is where you get all your ideas out on the page \u2014 no matter how bad you think they are or sound. Editing is where the magic happens. Copy editing is where all the nuts and bolts are tightened and you double check that all i\u2019s have been dotted and t\u2019s crossed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, when I\u2019m editing, I feel like the conductor in this 90s AMC Theatre intro video<\/a> or Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer\u2019s Apprentice<\/a>, ordering words and even paragraphs around on the page to create something that wasn\u2019t quite there before. Like I said, it feels like magic. And yes, I know I am a word nerd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"copy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For this copywriter and editor, the work feels like being a conductor or magician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Needs Copy Editing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve spent ten years copyediting other people\u2019s work (as well as my own) and I can attest to the fact that everyone needs an editor. Anything written for professional purposes could use a second pair of eyes on it, especially if the original writer isn\u2019t a trained writer or editor. So, while the short answer to the question \u201cWho needs copy editing?\u201d is \u201canyone who writes anything,\u201d let\u2019s dive a little further into different groups that may particularly benefit from a copy editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Who needs a copy editor? Anyone writing for professional purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Growing organizations without a full staff<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    While some organizations may have a graphic designer on staff, copywriters and copy editors are less frequent hires. If you are a growing organization without a full staff, though, you could gain a lot of help from a copy editor you hire out \u2014 especially if there\u2019s someone already on your team who writes your content (email marketing, social media, brochures, new website copy, video scripts, and more). An editor and\/or copy editor can work with your on-staff writer to make their work as excellent as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n