Checking a manuscript for spelling, grammar, syntax, and content errors. (Also see "substantive editing" and "proofreading.")

Finding and eliminating grammatical, spelling or similar errors, and checking for style conformity.

Editing that is intended to catch spelling errors, grammatical errors, and other typos in all text before it is sent to the printer. Copy editors also ensure that all text abides by proper style, usually according to a combination of the Associate Press Style Book and the magazine's own style guide. Copy editors check all editorial copy in the magazine, including headlines, captions, credits, coverlines and bylines. Copy editors are usually not responsible for making line edits or conceptual edits in text.

Copy editing is the process whereby copy is checked for grammatical and typographical errors, repetition, clarity, word lengths and house style. The copy editor's remit includes cutting text or moving it around and tidying up style, but it does not include composing new text or adding material.

Doing the same thing with editorial marks.

A reading of the copy, or article, to eliminate all errors after the reporter has finished the story.

Copy editing is the process by which an editor makes formatting changes and other improvements to text. Copy, in this case a noun, refers to material (such as handwritten or typewritten pages) to be set (as in typesetting) for printing. A person who performs the task of copy editing is called a copy editor.