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One of the biggest challenges copyeditors face—especially when editing fiction—is figuring out where to draw the line between fixing grammar and preserving author voice.
It can be a delicate balance.
When I first started editing, I was all about the rules. If something didn’t match up with The Chicago Manual of Style (my editing bible), I changed it. But over time, I learned that not every rule must be enforced—and sometimes, breaking the rules is what gives a piece its magic.
Here’s how I now approach this gray area.
Table of Contents
What Is Author Voice, Anyway?
Author voice is the unique way someone writes. It includes their tone, phrasing, sentence rhythm, and even the grammar “quirks” they consistently use. In nonfiction—especially in business, self-help, or memoir, which are the genres I edit—voice is a huge part of what connects the author to the reader and stops the book reading like a boring textbook.
Without voice, even the most useful information can sound bland or robotic.
When Grammar and Voice Clash
This is where things get tricky. Let’s say the author uses sentence fragments for dramatic effect. Or they start sentences with “and” or “but.” Technically, these might raise a red flag—but in context, they often work.
Here’s how I decide what to change and what to keep:
My Go-To Questions Before Editing
- Is it clear? If the meaning is muddled, I’ll edit for clarity—even if that means adjusting voice a bit.
- Is it consistent? One-off stylistic quirks can feel like mistakes. But if it’s used consistently, it may be a deliberate choice.
- Is it appropriate for the audience and genre? A casual, conversational voice is usually fine in self-help or business books. In academic writing? Not so much.
- Is it technically “wrong,” or just nonstandard? Not every deviation from grammar is an error. Some are just less formal.
- Is it just my preference? Like any writer, I have my own set of preferences. As an editor, I have no business imposing my preferences on a writer.
- Would changing it ruin the voice? If yes, I’ll often leave it—or comment and let the author decide.
Use Editorial Comments to Collaborate
When in doubt, I’ll leave a comment explaining the issue and offering a suggestion. That way, the author can choose what to change. It’s a respectful, collaborative way to handle gray areas.
Examples:
“This sentence fragment adds punch and fits your tone, but some readers might see it as a mistake. Want to keep it as is?”
“Both The Chicago Manual of Style and The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style recommend lowercasing pronouns used for God or Jesus. You have initial capped these pronouns. Is that your preference?”
That approach builds trust—and helps preserve the author’s intent without compromising on clarity or quality.
Final Thoughts
Your job as a copyeditor isn’t to strip the writing of all personality—it’s to polish it so it reads smoothly, clearly, and confidently. That often means applying judgment, not just rules. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to leave a sentence untouched if it sounds right—even if it’s not textbook perfect.
