Here is your PSA of the day: be cautious of any copy editor or proofreader who offers a perfect product—there is no such thing, and it’s extremely misleading. And this is coming from a person who has battled with a lifelong affliction of perfectionism, so trust me when I say—it just doesn’t exist. And as much as we may think we know this truth, it’s really difficult to accept, especially when it comes to putting our work out into the world. We want to seem competent and in control, and mistakes can take away from that perception. But guess what? EVERYONE makes mistakes. Everyone. Every single day. So if you encounter an editor telling you that they will deliver the perfect copy, they won’t. Because it’s impossible.
One of the biggest reasons that promising perfect copy is irrational is this: perfect is subjective. Every person on this earth has an individual idea of what perfection looks like. What seems perfect to me may not seem perfect to you. For me, perfection is a strong cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and a really good book. For you, perfection could be a day out on the town, exploring new sights, meeting new people, and trying new foods. While all of those things sound lovely to me, it’s certainly not my “perfect day.” And that’s okay. If we all had the same definition of perfect, life would be pretty mundane. This also applies to the way copy editors and proofreaders do their editing.
Did I Spell that Corecktely?
When it comes to copyediting and proofreading, certain universal facts will always hold true. Yes, a sentence should use proper terminal punctuation. (I think we can all agree a period is best suited at the end of the previous sentence, and if I used a question mark instead, I would totally change the meaning of the words.) Most words are either spelled correctly or incorrectly. “Corecktely” will never be able to replace “correctly.” These are well-known facts. However, when we’re talking about writing style or word usage, there will always be nuances. Depending on where you live, or which style guide or dictionary you use for reference, your “rules” could vary greatly from my “rules.” And that’s why rules were made to be broken! Okay, some are definitely necessary in order to avoid chaos—but keep in mind that linguistic rules are merely guides, and most of the time these rules have prime examples in which they contradict themselves. That’s the blessing and the curse of language. If you compare a printed work from any two big-name publications, you’ll see how these copies can differ, from things like how abbreviations are written and which words get capitalized to the usage of symbols or spelled-out numbers. It doesn’t mean one is right and one is wrong; it means these two unique sources have two unique styles, and that is seriously alright.
Subtleties lend beauty to a work of art. Everything won’t resonate with everyone, and realistically, we don’t want it to. Finding the people that appreciate our distinctions allows us to reach the audience we’re meant to reach. Our creations have character because of these intricacies, and that is an incredible thing. When I tell you I won’t give you a perfect product, that’s why. Because perfect, while seemingly desired, is not only boring, but impossible to collectively define and deliver. At the end of the day, all proofreaders and copy editors will edit your work in different ways. The important thing is that they catch all the glaring errors and help polish your copy. The really good ones will be honest about what they don’t know, and throughout the editing process, they will form open, collaborative relationships with their clients. So when you’re looking for a proofreader or a copy editor, look for these things: honesty, flexibility, and a willingness to communicate. That’s the kind of person that will help you take your project to the next level, not someone who promises unattainable perfection.
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