I am ranked as one of the best writers/editors on this platform and have copyedited more than 50 manuscripts (fiction and non-fiction). Here is my process: 1. The processing stage, where the manuscript is prepared for the copyediting process; 2. The copyediting stage in which the manuscript is actually copyedited; and, 3. The proofing stage, where the manuscript is checked for the misses that occurred during the copy editing stage. Each stage has its own methods and focus, but all 3 stages are performed (usually) by the same editor, and a professional editor has an arsenal of tools at hand to make the work of each stage more accurate and efficient. As with most things, every professional editor has his or her favorite tools. Unfortunately, some still use what I call the hit-or-miss method, which is dealing with each thing as they stumble upon it rather than having a coordinated routine that is applied to all projects. Feel free to ask any questions, Best wishes, Zack Khan