How Copyediting Improves Clarity and Flow.

A copyeditor at work.

Nothing is wrong with the ideas you present; so why do readers have difficulty grasping what you are trying to communicate in your text? Frequently, the problem lies in a lack of clarity and inconsistency in the flow. A copyeditor will help with these areas to make sure your words say exactly what you intend.

Here are some ways in which a copyeditor improves the clarity and flow of your document.

• They get rid of redundant phrases, untangle jargon, and simplify clumsy sentence structures. The resulting clarity makes it easier for your readers to comprehend your writing.

  
  

• They ensure smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Sentences of varying lengths contribute to enhanced flow of the text and add life to the reading experience. When paragraphs flow in a logical order, the text builds logically to its conclusion.

  
  

• They allow you to establish a relationship of trust with your readers through consistent writing. A copyeditor ensures that your tone, tense, and terminology are consistent throughout your text. For example, do you write both “e-mail” and “email” in the same document? Or do you switch voice within your article? For instance, does your article begin in the first-person singular (I) and then later change to second (you) or first-person plural (we). A skilled copyeditor detects and flags these inconsistencies thereby contributing to greater confidence on the part of your readers.

The result of good copyediting is text that is clear and flows smoothly. This is why it is important to have a copyeditor review your work before you submit it. This review process respects your ideas and your readers’ time. Why not give them this gift of clarity?