Both copy editing and academic editing focus on improving a written piece by attending to its content, organization, and style.Copy editing is typically done before publication, and academic editing is usually done after a work has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. Both types of editing involve working closely with the author to understand their goals for the piece and making suggestions for how it could be improved.
Copy editors typically focus on improving the clarity and flow of the writing, as well as catching any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling. They may also make suggestions for how the piece could be better organized. Academic editors, on the other hand, focus on ensuring that the argument of the paper is clear and well-supported, and that the paper adheres to the conventions of the discipline in which it was written. This may involve making sure that the paper uses the proper language and terminology for its field, and that it cites relevant research properly.
Both copy editing and academic editing are important steps in the publication process, and can help to ensure that a piece is clear, well-written, and free of errors.