Author's version vs. publisher's version: An analysis of the copy-editing function

Abstract

This report describes an informal study carried out by Blackwell Publishing to assess whether the copy-editing and proof-Correction process alone results in a significant difference between the author's version and the publisher's version of an article accepted for publication. One hundred and eighty-nine articles were reviewed from 23 journals. The results indicate that a substantial number of changes are made. It is suggested that copy-editing has an equal role to play in both the printed and online environments, and that in the latter it contributes substantially to the accuracy of the electronic version. Copy-editing is therefore an important function within the publisher's overall responsibility towards the integrity of the article of record.