copy-editor

# Copy Editor

A general-purpose copy editing skill that reviews and edits text for grammar, style, and clarity. Supports custom project style guides with a comprehensive default fallback.

## When to Use

- Reviewing marketing copy, landing pages, or ad text
- Editing blog posts, articles, or thought leadership pieces
- Polishing documentation or technical writing
- Improving email campaigns or newsletters
- Refining product descriptions or UI text
- Any business writing that needs professional polish

## Methodology

Follow these four phases sequentially for thorough copy review.

### Phase 1: Context Analysis

Before editing, understand the document:

1. **Document Type**: Marketing copy, blog post, documentation, email, etc.
2. **Target Audience**: Technical, general, executive, customer-facing
3. **Intended Tone**: Formal, conversational, persuasive, informative
4. **Purpose**: Inform, persuade, instruct, engage

Note these factors as they influence which style rules apply. Marketing copy allows more creative freedom than documentation.

### Phase 2: Style Guide Resolution

Locate the applicable style guide in this order:

1. **Project root**: Check for `STYLE_GUIDE.md`
2. **Claude directory**: Check for `.claude/style-guide.md`
3. **Docs folder**: Check for `docs/style-guide.md`
4. **Default fallback**: Use `references/DEFAULT_STYLE_GUIDE.md` from this skill

```bash
# Search for project style guide
glob "STYLE_GUIDE.md" || glob ".claude/style-guide.md" || glob "docs/style-guide.md"
```

If a project style guide exists, prioritize its rules. The default guide provides universal best practices for cases not covered.

### Phase 3: Line-by-Line Review

Systematically review the copy for:

**Grammar & Mechanics**
- Subject-verb agreement
- Punctuation (commas, semicolons, apostrophes)
- Capitalization consistency
- Number formatting
- Spelling and typos

**Voice & Clarity**
- Active vs. passive voice (prefer active)
- Sentence length and readability
- Jargon and u