1. News & Issues

Discuss in my forum

What Editors Do

By , About.com Guide

3 of 3

Copy Editors: Micro Editing
What Editors Do Graphic by Tony Rogers
Copy editors tend to do what is called micro editing. This means that as they edit, they tend to focus on more technical aspects of stories, such as AP style, grammar, etc.

Here is a checklist of things assignment editors look for when they are editing:

  • Is the story's AP style correct?
  • Have all errors in grammar and punctuation been fixed?
  • Are there any misspelled words?
  • Of course, these divisions are not hard-and-fast rules. Assignments editors can certainly check for AP style and spelling errors, while copy editors certainly keep an eye out for things like libel.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.