: Establishes ground rules for house style, consistency, and how to mark typescripts for designers and typesetters.
According to the handbook, a successful copy-editor acts as the and the author's ambassador . The text highlights that while AI and software can check spelling, they cannot read for sense, ambiguity, or potential legal issues like libel. Availability and Formats
The guide provides comprehensive instruction on every stage of the editorial process: BUTCHER'S COPY-EDITING
is a classic reference guide for editors, authors, and publishers, widely considered a "master class" in the editorial arts. First published in 1975 by Judith Butcher , the current 4th edition (2006) was revised by Caroline Drake and Maureen Leach to address digital publishing and modern technology. Key Features of the Handbook
: Includes guidance on on-screen copy-editing , digital coding, and publishing formats like e-books. : Establishes ground rules for house style, consistency,
: Offers specific advice for complex materials, such as law books , science and mathematics, and multi-author works. Core Philosophy of a "Good Copy-editor"
: Covers the transition from author typescript to printed page, acting as the essential link between authors and production. : Offers specific advice for complex materials, such
The 4th edition is a 558-page textbook available from Cambridge University Press and various retailers: