8 copyediting essentials
From The Editing Podcast by Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor)
February 3, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 151
About this episode
This episode covers 8 essential tips for improving copyediting skills using Microsoft Word.
Learn about 8 tips that will make your copyediting life easier. Listen to find out more about Understanding the power of Microsoft Word’s Styles pane Knowing how to use consistency-checking software Being able to use macros Using Word’s Navigation pane. Knowing how to find and use the pilcrow tool in Word Understanding how to use Word’s Find/Replace function Removing extraneous tabs and spaces Creating properly defined paragraphs Resources Editing in Word: Using Styles: https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/editing-in-word-using-styles.html PerfectIt: https://intelligentediting.com/home/ Word Macro Tools: https://www.wordmacrotools.com/ Wildcard Cookbook for Microsoft Word by Jack Lyon (via your regional Amazon store) Book series: Notes from the Podcast Want to hone your editorial business skills? Our actionable guides and workbooks help you plan and implement a programme for business growth and development. Find out more here: https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/notes.html Support The Editing Podcast Tip your hosts: Support Louise and Denise with a one-off tip of your choosing. theeditingpodcast.captivate.fm/support Join our Patreon community: Our patrons benefit from…
People in this episode
Hosts: Louise Harnby, Denise Cowle
Topics covered
- copyediting
- Microsoft Word
- editing tips
- styles pane
- consistency-checking software
- macros
- navigation pane
Keywords
- copyediting
- Microsoft Word
- editing tips
- styles pane
- macros
- Find/Replace
- paragraphs
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Microsoft Word, PerfectIt, Word Macro Tools
Books & works: Wildcard Cookbook for Microsoft Word
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