Copy Editing Check List
- Read for spelling, grammar, and check for consistency, readability (anything phrased in a confusing way), and style (we prefer slightly casual style, so contractions are allowed; sentences should be kept direct; paragraphs should be SHORT, i.e., 3 or 4 sentences each).
- Title– make sure there is a descriptive title that is also intriguing
- Subtitle – if one is used, make sure it does not repeat words from the title
- Author name – make sure it is included at the top, below the title
- Author bio – make sure it is included at the end
- Subheds – remove generic subheads such as “Introduction” and “Abstract,” as we don’t use those. We do use subheds in general, and editors are encouraged to add subheds that will entice the reader. Change any subhead titled “Conclusion” or “Results” to something snappy!
- Make sure all figures and tables have captions and that the captions are complete sentences. Captions should be listed all together at the end of the article, after the author bio.
- If references are used, are they necessary or is the author just citing for the sake of citing? Are they in ACM style? If not, please correct them, i.e., they should be alphabetical by author’s surname in the Reference list and numbered, then cited in text by the number in square brackets, like this [2].
- Fact checking – Copyeditors should spot check, that is, check a couple of facts at random throughout the text. Google a couple of names of people or products to make sure they are spelled correctly, for instance.