Can't I Just Run Spell Check?

Please do run spell check! But while editing software has its place, and many editors employ it, it cannot replace a human's knowledge and experience. Your writing should be accurate and trustworthy, and having it professionally copyedited is the best way to get there.

An editor works for you but also for the reader. If an editor balks at something you've written, a reader may too. The author has the final say, of course, but no author gets everything right 100% of the time, and a copyeditor's fresh eyes take the burden off you to find and resolve as many errors as possible.


As a longtime birder, I'll help you make the most realistic choices regarding birds, including seasonality, range, and behavior, so you don't annoy your birder readers!

​Will spell check do that?

 Here are just a few of the many tasks that go into copyediting a manuscript:

  • Ensure correct and consistent punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and usage
  • Fact-check real events, places, people, species, and more, using trusted sources such as eBird.org, AllAboutBirds.org, Britannica.com, and more
  • Follow The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition, or internal style guide
  • Query issues of logic, consistency, and continuity to ensure accuracy
  • Trim or rearrange sentences for best readability, or suggest ways for author to do so

Want to know more about different types of editing, including developmental editing? Please visit this helpful Northwest Editors Guild page.