copy-reader

copy-reader

A copy-reader reviews a newspaper article at a large wooden desk.

Definition

Noun: - A person who reads and corrects copy: A "copy-reader" is an individual, especially in journalism or publishing, who reviews written material (known as "copy") to check for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or style before publication. This role is often synonymous with a "copy editor" but may specifically focus on reading and marking corrections rather than making them directly.

Usage Examples
  • (The person responsible for checking the text found mistakes.)
  • (She held the job of reviewing copy for a publication.)
  • (A professional was employed to check the writing.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to serve as a copy-reader": to perform the duties of reading and correcting copy.
    • He served as a copy-reader for the magazine during the busy season. (He temporarily took on the role of checking text.)
  • "copy-reader's mark": a standard symbol used by a copy-reader to indicate changes on a manuscript.
    • The copy-reader's marks on the page showed where to insert a comma. (The symbols indicated corrections.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Copy-reading (n): the act or process of reading and correcting copy.
    • Copy-reading requires a keen eye for detail. (The activity of checking text demands careful attention.)
  • Copy-read (v): to read and correct copy.
    • She will copy-read the report before submission. (She will review and edit the document.)
  • Copy editor (n): a person who edits copy, often performing similar tasks to a copy-reader but possibly with more authority to make changes.
    • The copy editor rewrote the headline for clarity. (A similar professional improved the text.)
Synonyms
  • Proofreader: a person who checks text for errors, especially in proofs.
  • Text checker: a general term for someone who examines written material for mistakes.
  • Manuscript reader: a person who reviews a manuscript for corrections.
Related Idioms
  • Read between the lines: to understand a hidden meaning, though not directly related to copy-reading, it involves careful reading.
    • A good copy-reader must read between the lines to catch inconsistencies. (They must look beyond the surface for errors.)
  • Dot the i's and cross the t's: to pay careful attention to details.
    • The copy-reader made sure to dot the i's and cross the t's on every page. (They verified every small detail.)