Butcher's Copy-editing Apr 2026

The 4th edition is a 558-page textbook available from Cambridge University Press and various retailers:

: Establishes ground rules for house style, consistency, and how to mark typescripts for designers and typesetters. BUTCHER'S COPY-EDITING

is a classic reference guide for editors, authors, and publishers, widely considered a "master class" in the editorial arts. First published in 1975 by Judith Butcher , the current 4th edition (2006) was revised by Caroline Drake and Maureen Leach to address digital publishing and modern technology. Key Features of the Handbook The 4th edition is a 558-page textbook available

: Covers the transition from author typescript to printed page, acting as the essential link between authors and production. Key Features of the Handbook : Covers the

According to the handbook, a successful copy-editor acts as the and the author's ambassador . The text highlights that while AI and software can check spelling, they cannot read for sense, ambiguity, or potential legal issues like libel. Availability and Formats

The guide provides comprehensive instruction on every stage of the editorial process: