# Copyedit Pass

Check grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, names, numbers, references, headings, links, captions, internal consistency, and query resolution before proof.

## Usage note

Agree on copyedit level, authority, style guide, and query process before work begins. Use tracked changes and preserve the source. Copyediting can flag factual inconsistency, but it does not replace a qualified fact, legal, technical, or accessibility review unless the brief explicitly assigns that responsibility.

## How to use this template

1. Confirm file version, scope, style authorities, immutable content, citation method, and edit permissions.
2. Build a project style sheet and perform separate mechanics, consistency, reference, and link passes.
3. Verify names, numbers, dates, units, labels, and repeated facts against the supplied sources.
4. Send precise queries, incorporate authorized answers, and rerun checks affected by the changes.
5. Inspect tracked changes and rendered output, then hand off the style sheet, open issues, and proof scope.

## Blank template

### Copyedit setup

- **Project and file version:** [Identifier]
- **Copyedit level:** [Light / Medium / Heavy, defined]
- **Audience and dialect:** [English variant and reader]
- **Style guide and dictionary:** [Versions]
- **Termbase or naming register:** [Link]
- **Citation style:** [Rule]
- **Immutable text:** [Items and query owner]
- **Copyeditor:** [Name]

### Mechanics and consistency

- [ ] Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and agreement are checked.
- [ ] Capitalization, hyphenation, numbers, dates, times, and units are consistent.
- [ ] Names, titles, products, features, and abbreviations match approved forms.
- [ ] Headings, lists, tables, captions, and callouts follow a consistent pattern.
- [ ] Quotations preserve source wording and alterations are marked appropriately.
- [ ] Cross-references identify a real and current destination.
- [ ] Links and visible labels match their purpose.

### Query log

- **Query ID:** [Identifier]
- **Location:** [Heading, paragraph, table, or line]
- **Issue:** [What is unclear or inconsistent?]
- **Why it matters:** [Meaning, source, style, or navigation]
- **Proposed action:** [Revision or decision options]
- **Owner:** [Who can answer?]
- **Status:** [Open / Answered / Applied / Declined]
- **Follow-up check:** [What must be rerun?]

### Handoff

- **Style-sheet decisions:** [Project-specific choices]
- **Material facts flagged:** [Claim and owner]
- **Open blockers:** [Query IDs]
- **Outside scope:** [Fact, legal, technical, accessibility, or another]
- **Rendered review:** [Format and result]
- **Proofreader note:** [Known risks and focus]
- **Copyedit signoff:** [Name, date, and conditions]