Copyediting is usually done on the final word-processing draft of a document, before pages are formatted for print or the Web.

Basic copyediting:

• editing for grammar, spelling, consistency, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to a style guide
• checking spelling of names and internal consistency of facts
• ensuring graphics and tables are consistent with text and labelled and numbered correctly

+ line editing (stylistic editing):

• editing for concise, clear, bias-free text
• creating transitions for flow and coherence between paragraphs and sentences
• ensuring variety in sentence construction while maintaining consistency of voice and tone
• checking that vocabulary and sentence length and complexity are appropriate for the required reading level