A copy-editor prepares the text of a document before it is sent for printing - codes it to a house style, checks for inconsistencies and tightens the wording if necessary. Getting it right before printing eliminates the need to make costly changes at proof stage.

Copy-editing includes

• applying house style and design

• coding headings, lists, references, tables and figures

• improving the readability of the text by correcting errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling

• checking ambiguities, imprecise use of words, repetition.

Thanks for providing a first rate service on the journal, Susan! Your reliability and professionalism are really appreciated, Cheryl Merritt, Sage Publications Ltd