Stylistic Edit VS Copy Edit: The Differences Explained

After reading about the different editing services available, I bet you thought you had them differentiated clearly in your mind.

But what if I ask you to tell me whether a stylistic edit or a copy edit was done on this line.

Before editing: She was running along the sidewalk, arms pumped and sneakers pounding against the pavement. How much further do I have to go she wondered. A light rain hit her face, and she took too left turns before stopping at a red light. She was exhausted, cold, and wet, and she just wanted to make it to her interview.

After editing: She sprinted down the sidewalk, arms pumping and sneakers pounding against the pavement. How much farther do I have to go? A light rain dampened her face, and she took two left turns before skidding to a stop at a red light. Exhausted, cold, and wet, she just wanted to make it to her interview.

Can you say with 100 percent certainty which type of editing I used here?

What if I give you another example.

After editing: She was running down the sidewalk, arms pumping and sneakers pounding against the pavement. How much farther do I have to go, she wondered. A light rain hit her face, and she took two left turns before stopping at a red light. She was exhausted, cold, and wet, and she just wanted to make it to her interview.

See the difference?

The first example shows how a stylistic edit may appear. The second example is a copy edit.

The copy edit fixes outright errors, like “too” instead of “two,” but it leaves weak verbs like “was” and “running,” which a stylistic edit addresses. A stylistic edit also enhances techniques like formatting internal dialogue.

Here are a few more examples to help illustrate the differences between stylistic and copy editing.

Example 1:

Before editing:

“I am bored.” Said Sam.

“Why?” asked Bill.

“Because without Wi-Fi there is nothing to do,” said Sam.

“We have puzzles and books and games,” said Bill

“I hate those childish things,” said Sam.

After copy editing:

“I am bored,” said Sam.

“Why?” asked Bill.

“Because without Wi-Fi, there is nothing to do,” said Sam.

“We have puzzles and books and games,” said Bill.

“I hate those childish things,” said Sam.

After stylistic editing:

“I’m bored,” said Sam.

“Why?” asked Bill.

“Because without Wi-Fi, there’s nothing to do.”

“We have puzzles and books and—”

“I hate those childish things.”

(I would also recommend the author describe what the characters are doing in this scene and include moments of interiority.)

Example 2:

Before editing: The boxer looked starved. Its ribs showed through its skin, and its fur was dull. I itched to help it, but I have no food in my backpack and no money in my wallet to buy anything.

After copy editing: The boxer looked starved. Its ribs showed through its skin, and its fur was dull. I itched to help it, but I had no food in my backpack and no money in my wallet to buy anything.

After stylistic editing: The boxer’s ribs protruded beneath its dull fur. I itched to help it, but I had no food in my backpack and no money in my wallet to buy anything.

So What Should You Choose?

When you’re debating between these two services, it’s important to ask yourself what’s important to you.

Do you want an editor to help enhance your voice by altering your sentences and word choice, or do you want a lighter touch, where only errors are changed?

This decision also comes down to your personality. Are you someone who’s comfortable with more critiques and suggestions, or are you someone who is passionate about preserving their writing in its current state and only what help from a technical standpoint? It’s necessary to know yourself, your expectations, and what you can handle before hiring a professional.

If you have any questions about stylistic and copy editing, leave them in the comments, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!