Copy Edit Support

Copy Edit Support helps Cochrane Review Group (CRG) staff to achieve a high standard of copy-editing in reviews being prepared for submission. Submissions are checked against the Cochrane Style Guide, other Cochrane guidelines, and standard biomedical technical editing guidelines where required.

We copy-edit reviews in RevMan format within Archie, using the following process:

1. The CRG sends an email to Copy Edit Support to say that a review is ready for copy-editing.

2. Copy Edit Support confirms receipt of this and, if possible, lets the CRG know immediately which copy editor the review has been assigned to. The copy editor is cc'ed on this response so that s/he too is advised of the assignment. (If it is not possible to do this all in one step, Copy Edit Support confirms receipt in one e-mail and then sends a separate e-mail advising when the copy editor has been assigned.)

3. The CRG authorises the named copy editor to have the necessary document permissions on the review in question.

4. The copy editor checks the review out of Archie, copy-edits it (using Track Changes, or not, according to CRG preference), and checks it back in.

5. The copy editor lets the CRG know when the review has been copy-edited.

6. The CRG can then check the review against the pre-copy-edited version (using the 'compare documents' function in Archie if the Track Changes function has not been used), raise any queries as necessary with the copy editor, and approve the review for publication.

Copy Edit Support does not aim to replace the function of the copy editors working at editorial bases. All reviews submitted should have first gone through the copy-editing process at the CRG level. Copy Edit Support aims to work alongside CRGs to enhance the clarity and readability of reviews.

Who is responsible for the project?

John Wiley & Sons, Ltd took over the administration of the project in 2004.

Where do I need to send reviews?

Send your reviews to Copy Edit Support at cochranecopyed@wiley.co.uk.

Who will copy-edit my reviews?

Wiley employs a team of freelance copy editors. The members of the current team (with their Cochrane Collaboration affiliations in brackets) are:

• Charlotte Archibald (former Managing Editor);
• Jenny Bellorini (Managing Editor);
• Clare Dooley (Assistant Managing Editor);
• Joey Kwong (former Managing Editor);
• Heather Maxwell (former Managing Editor);
• Elizabeth Royle (former Managing Editor);
• Janet Wale (member of the Cochrane Consumer Network).

Copy Edit Support also recruits and trains new copy editors periodically. For more information, send an inquiry to cochranecopyed@wiley.co.uk.

What kind of copy-edit training does Copy Edit Support provide?

Copy Edit Support does not provide basic copy-edit training, but rather focuses on providing training in the elements of Cochrane style. For people interested in receiving training in the basics of copy-editing, a list of copy-editing resources is available here.

When are upcoming Copy Edit Support deadlines?

Issue 2, 2012: Wednesday, 28 December

Issue 3, 2012: Wednesday, 25 January

Issue 4, 2012: Wednesday, 22 February

Issue 5, 2012: Wednesday, 21 March

Issue 6, 2012: Wednesday, 25 April

Issue 7, 2012: Wednesday, 23 May

Issue 8, 2012: Wednesday, 20 June

For module submission deadlines and publication dates, see http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/PublicationDates.html

Are protocols eligible?

Yes. We accept new reviews, updated reviews and protocols. New reviews take priority.

When should I submit my reviews?

Please notify us as soon as your review is ready for copy-editing, even if you do not plan to publish it in the forthcoming issue. To guarantee the return of your copy-edited review in time for inclusion in a particular issue, we need to receive the review on, or preferably before, the relevant Copy Edit Support deadline (see above).

When will I get the reviews back?

Copy Edit Support works to a schedule of returning copy-edits no later than two weeks from the date of submission. We will notify the submitting CRG as soon as possible if we anticipate delays in returning copy-edits. Submissions sent earlier in the publication cycle may be turned around in less than two weeks; submissions sent on or just before Copy Edit Support deadlines, especially protocols and updated reviews, may require more than two weeks if the number of submissions requiring processing during this period exceeds working capacity.

What should I do after I get my reviews back?

The copy editor will let you know when the review has been copy-edited. You can then either check changes to the review made using the Track Changes function, or check against the pre-copy-edited version using the 'compare documents' function in Archie, raise any queries as necessary with the copy editor, and approve the review for publication.

Questions?

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact cochranecopyed@wiley.co.uk.