Copy-editing

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As part of the production process your article will be copy-edited to make sure that it conforms to the style of the journal and that there are no grammatical or spelling errors or inconsistencies that would interfere with a reader's understanding.

We believe that copy-editing is an important stage and that it adds value to your article. While it is your responsibility to submit the article correctly (as specified on the Instructions for Authors page), the copy editor has a valuable role in picking up any errors that you have missed and minimizing any delays by ensuring that problems are identified at an early stage.

You can expect a copy-editor to check that:

• all material is present as appropriate (text, figures, tables, appendices, keywords, author biography, etc.);
• the layout conforms to the style of the journal;
• spelling is consistent and conforms to the style of the journal;
• there are no errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or sense;
• all citations in the text are formatted correctly and that corresponding, full references are provided in the bibliography;
• all references in the bibliography have been cited in the text;
• the references in the bibliography include essential details and are formatted according to the journal style;
• any figures, tables, or appendices are mentioned in the text, and their position indicated for the typesetter;
• the typesetter is alerted to any special characters or fonts that might cause problems (accents, symbols, characters not on the standard keyboard);
• running heads are added in the style of the journal.

A copy editor should also draw your attention to elements that require copyright acknowledgement and permission and draw attention to any evidence or suspicion of matter which may contravene the laws regarding libel, obscenity, blasphemy, incitement to racial hatred, or plagiarism. Any queries from the copy editor will be passed on to you when you receive the proofs of your article.