Fact-Checking vs. Copyediting—Understanding the Key Differences

In the world of content creation, two essential processes ensure accuracy and clarity: fact-checking and copyediting. Although these two roles often overlap, they are fundamentally different. Fact-checking is about verifying the truthfulness of information, while copyediting ensures clarity of language, correct grammar, and adherence to a given style. 

This post will clarify these differences for two core audiences: nonfiction authors who rely on copyeditors to polish their work and long-form journalists who need to understand the limits of what a copyeditor can do

What Is Fact-Checking?

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information in a text. This entails verifying names and dates and may, on a deeper level, involve ensuring that statements, statistics, and claims are valid. Fact-checking often requires deep research, critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate the credibility of sources.

Fact-checking that goes beyond basic details to include such research is a specialized service, usually conducted separately from the copyedit itself. This service, usually performed by someone whose title is a fact-checker, is typically billed by the hour because of the time it takes to research and verify information. 

Specialized fact-checkers not only confirm facts but also assess the credibility of sources, identify bias, and ensure that information is presented with appropriate context. This is especially important for nonfiction authors whose work includes historical details, technical information, or data-driven arguments.

For journalists, fact-checking is a critical part of the publishing process. In news organizations, this role is often handled by dedicated fact-checkers, but independent authors may need to take on the responsibility of ensuring accuracy themselves. 

Understanding the distinction between fact-checking and copyediting can help journalists and nonfiction authors decide whether they need to pay for each service separately.

What Is Copyediting?

Copyediting is the process of refining a text for clarity, consistency, grammar, and style. Copyeditors focus on the language itself rather than the factual content. While they may perform surface-level fact-checking (such as verifying names or ensuring that URLs are accurate), their primary role is to improve the language at the word or sentence level.

Copyediting is generally charged by the word or page, making it cost-effective for authors who need a thorough review of language and style. Copyeditors correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, enhance sentence structure, ensure consistency in terminology, and ensure compliance with specific style guides. However, they do not perform in-depth research on factual statements, verify the accuracy of quotations, or ensure the author has provided appropriate context.

For nonfiction authors, this means understanding that a copyeditor will ensure your manuscript is clear and polished, but they will not assess the validity of your research or claims. For journalists, a copyeditor can ensure that your final draft is clean and ready for layout, but they will not serve as a safety net for unchecked facts.

Key Differences Between Fact-Checking and Copyediting

Authors: Know What to Expect

Nonfiction authors should understand that a standard copyedit does not include in-depth fact-checking. If your manuscript includes complex claims, statistics, or historical data, you are responsible for ensuring that they are accurate. Options include conducting your own fact-checking, relying on peer review, or hiring a separate fact-checker.

Journalists writing long-form pieces should understand that while a copyeditor can ensure clarity and adherence to style requirements, they will not verify the accuracy of quotes, sources, or data. Fact-checking should be considered a separate, necessary step before publication.

Conclusion

Fact-checking and copyediting are distinct but complementary services. Understanding the differences between the two can help authors, editors, and publishers set clear expectations. Authors should be aware of what their copyeditor is (and is not) responsible for, and copyeditors should clarify their scope of work to avoid misunderstandings.