The difference between a copy edit and a stylistic edit is difficult to articulate. There is a lot of overlap between them, so much so that many editors will not offer them as separate services but will perform both at the same time.
Since the two are so similar, why do editors bother to differentiate the two? The answer is that there are subtle but important differences and a stylistic edit is not always needed or wanted.
What's the Same
Both a copy edit and stylistic edit work at the sentence level, considering things like word choice and phrasing. However, the copy edit is concerned with correcting errors, accuracy and consistency while the stylistic edit is concerned with clarity, coherence and flow.
Copy Edit
A copy edit happens once the structural work is complete and either with or after a stylistic edit. The copy edit focuses on ensuring correctness, consistency, accuracy and completeness. There are various levels of copy editing, which are not universally defined, ranging from light to heavy. Some editors use the term "heavy copy edit" to refer to a stylistic edit. Every manuscript should be copy edited.
Copy editing covers the following:
Corrects errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage.
Identifies words or usage that may be harmful, offensive or inappropriate, as well as those that might be difficult to understand by the intended readership.
Ensures that the styling of the text is consistent and follows the style guide for the work.
This includes consistency in spellings (leaped vs. leapt, theatre vs. theater), punctuation (serial comma or not), capitalization, hyphenation, numbers (spelled out or digits) and use of italics and boldface.
Ensures consistent use of terminology.
Checks for incomplete or missing information.
Identifies any potential legal issues with the text, including where copyright acknowledgement or permission is needed.
Depending on the editor and the agreed scope for the edit, a copy edit can also include the following:
Deleting repetitive or unnecessary paragraphs, sentences or words.
Rearranging sentences within paragraphs and, in rare cases, moving paragraphs.
Fact checking (some manuscripts will need a dedicated fact checker).
The copy edit is the last chance in the production process for any major changes to be made that could cause the text to shift around. At the end of the copy editing stage, the text should be set, meaning the author is happy with the structure from the big picture to the sentence level and with the content and quality of the writing.
Stylistic Edit
A stylistic edit (also called a line edit or heavy copy edit) is, like the name implies, concerned with the style of the writing. This is the refinement stage, where the focus is on improving clarity, coherence and flow, and language. A stylistic edit can be done as its own pass or as part of a structural edit or copy edit.
Stylistic editing covers the following:
Improving paragraph and sentence structure to make meaning clear and create logical connections.
Smoothing transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
Improving word choice and grammatical construction to make the meaning or feeling of the text more effective.
Resolving ambiguity.
Fixing or eliminating redundancy and unneeded repetition.
Making sure the voice is consistent.
Reading for conscious language and eliminating or querying anything that might be offensive or harmful.
Note: Depending on the content of the manuscript and the author's experience/familiarity with the subject matter, a sensitivity reader might be required.
There can be a lot of subjectivity in a stylistic edit, so it is important to find a stylistic editor who is familiar with the genre and subject matter of your manuscript. It is also important that you feel comfortable with the editor and their ability to maintain your voice while making necessary improvements.
Copy Edit or Stylistic Edit?
Every manuscript needs a copy edit, but the necessity of a stylistic edit is more subjective. Since many editors will offer a stylistic edit as part of either a copy edit or structural edit, it's important that the scope of the edit is made clear before your editor begins working.
When deciding if a stylistic edit is needed, ask yourself, "Is my writing as effective as it could be?" Do you feel like you overuse/reuse certain words a lot? Do you feel the flow or pacing between sentences and paragraphs could be improved? And most importantly, is there more work to be done on the text than simply fixing errors? If the answer is yes, then request a stylistic edit. If you are simply looking for error correction, then request a copy edit.
If you're not sure what your manuscript needs, an editor can assess your manuscript and let you know what is needed.
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