A copy editor reads for accuracy and consistency. They correct grammar and punctuation, apply consistent spelling (Australian, US or UK English), check that names, places, dates and terminology match throughout, and query anything that looks factually doubtful.
Every decision goes into a style sheet: how numbers are written, which words are hyphenated, how character names are spelled. The style sheet then guides the proofreader and any future editions, so the book stays consistent.
Read the full overview on our Book Copy Editing services page.
Nothing moves to the next stage without your approval, and the work remains yours.
Copy-edited manuscript in tracked changes
Queries on facts and unclear passages
An editorial style sheet
Consistent spelling to your chosen variety of English
Send the draft, your genre and your goals.
An editor reviews a sample and we send a written quote.
Your editor works through the manuscript with tracked changes and comments.
You review the changes and raise questions with your editor.
Here is what you gain when your book is handled by a specialist editing team at Potter Publishers, working alongside editors, designers and publishing specialists under one roof.
LIVE CHATClear structure, consistent characters or arguments and clean sentences keep readers turning pages instead of putting the book down.
Errors and confusing passages are among the most common complaints in reader reviews. Editing removes them before publication.
We recommend the editing stage your manuscript needs now, so you never pay to polish text that will later be cut.
Every change is tracked and explained. You accept, reject or discuss each suggestion, and the final decisions are always yours.
We edit and proofread in Australian English by default for Australian authors (colour, organise, travelled), and can switch to US or UK spelling if your book targets those readers.
In Australia, ISBNs are issued by Thorpe-Bowker. We help you buy and register them in your own name or your imprint's, so you are the publisher of record.
Australian legal deposit generally requires published books to be deposited with the National Library of Australia and the relevant state library. We include this in your publishing checklist. For New South Wales authors, the state library is the State Library of New South Wales.
Quotes for Australian authors are confirmed in writing, including the currency, before any work begins. The main price factors are:
We are a full-service publishing team for independent authors in Australia and the United States. Writers, editors, designers and marketers work together on your book, so every stage connects and nothing is lost between suppliers.
Tell us about your manuscript and we will send a written plan and quote within 48 hours.
Ready to talk about your book? Contact us or request a quote above.
Corrections to grammar, punctuation, spelling and consistency in tracked changes, queries where something is unclear, and an editorial style sheet.
Yes. We agree the variety of English at the start and apply it consistently.
Yes. We work with Sydney authors remotely by video call, phone and email, scheduled in AEST/AEDT (Sydney time).
We edit and proofread in Australian English by default for Australian authors (colour, organise, travelled), and can switch to US or UK spelling if your book targets those readers.
