Why do I need a copy-editor?

Copy-editing is the process of checking an author's text and removing any obstacles between what the author wants to convey and the reader.

Copy-editing will check for the following:

Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Consistency
Tautology
Ensuring copy conveys the author's meaning
Sense
Suitability for intended audience
Checking for any terms or abbreviations that need explanation
Structure - checking heading levels, footnotes, bibliography and that the order is logical
Ensuring sentences are kept short and uncomplicated
Paragraph length
Ensuring table and illustration labelling is correctly referenced
Typographical errors
Checking cross-references
Format
Bibliographic references
Editing to fit house styles

“I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.”
- Oscar Wilde