Why don't book publishers use copy editors?

Question

Many of today's best-selling authors use apalling grammar, misuse words, and give innacurate information in their novels. I can only conclude that no one checks their manuscripts for errors.
Whenever I see "NYT Best selling author" on a cover, the first thing I think is "bad grammar".
One very popular and prolific writer recently had a character get on a train going north from London to go to Cornwall! How long would it have taken her to look at a map and find out that Cornwall is south west of London?
I write novels and, even after five or six revisions, I need someone else to go through the manuscript and find things I've overlooked.
Shouldn't the editor at the publishing company do this, or have a copy editor go over the manuscript before sending it to be typeset?

Answer 1

Though I have been an editor for many years, I do not work with publishing companies; hence, I cannot answer this question with any certainly. However, I suspect that books are now rushed into print; efforts are made to curtail costs; and, because the reading public does not often complain--perhaps does not even notice such errors--there appears to be little consequence for "minor" errors.

Furthermore, copy editors, like English teachers, are usually not paid well; hence, finding competent, dedicated editors (and English teachers) is becoming more and more difficult. By the way, Isaac H, good editors for publishing companies, magazines, and professional journals do check the accuracy of details (facts, as you say). They also check for accuracy of quoted materials and cited sources and for plagiarism. However, as Doris Kearns Goodwin and others will testify, editors' skills are somewhat limited, sometimes extraordinarily limited.

It is not editors, but proofreaders, who limit themselves to grammatical usage, spelling, punctuation, typography, and the like. Once again, contemporary books have more and more of these errors, and they are more and more obvious. Now, this is difficult work. Take it from one who knows. One publication which I served as editor went through five proofreadings, including one double proofing which required a team of two readers. I still go back and wince when I find typographical errors that made it into print. (Ughh!)

I suppose, on the one hand, we should be grateful that books are still printed and are availabe at a cost that is affordable to readers. Extensive use of competent, well-paid editors might raise that cost immeasurably (or, it might just cut down on corporate profits, just a bit!). On the other hand, if readers (and reviewers) were more vigilant and brought errors to the attention of publishers, I suspect funds would be found to address the problem.

Answer 2

as quickly as your manuscript is outlined or maybe produced in any variety, that counts as a copyright. till now you deliver it everywhere, confirm which you do have thoroughly edited your manuscript to the better of your skill and characteristic written adequate drafts which you particularly have self assurance that this is able to deliver out. Then whilst choosing an editor, confirm you have a authentic one and not in user-friendly terms somebody who will can charge you a fee and then disappear.

Answer 3

They do have copy editors, but mistakes still often get through.

The error you give as an example would not be found by a copy editor anyway, but rather a fact checker. These are not often employed on novels.

Answer 4

They fear it might add to the production costs and reduce on the profits.