Copy editing standards at the American Psychological Association

In 1929 the originators of the American Psychological Association´s (APA´s) Publication Manual agreed that “a badly prepared manuscript always suggests uncritical research and slovenly thinking.” The manual they developed became the basic style guide for the present journal production office where 14 copy editors and their supervisors produce the APA journals. Basic editing rules are to preserve the author´s voice, to edit only that which cannot possibly after meaning. and to query generously. Alterations are controlled by letting authors see edited manuscripts before typesetting. Publication lag permits mailing time. Maillings have brought about author acceptance of copy improvements and the production office´s understanding of authors, printers, and type specifications, copy editors are responsible for journals from manuscript to approving for press. Management concentrates on reducing long-standing variables and idiosyncratic practices. The Publication Manual is seen as a major influence in that effort.