Readers respond more strongly to deeper editing, ACES study finds
By ACES Staff
Readers are more likely to notice and value editing when it improves how content is organized, understood, and experienced, according to a new study from ACES: The Society for Editing.
The ACES Value of Editing Report: Study Findings and Recommendations for Industry found that editing had the greatest effect when it went beyond surface-level corrections. In work-related materials, combined developmental, stylistic, and copyediting significantly improved readers’ perceptions of readability, comprehension, attention, and interest in reading more from the same source.
For materials people choose to read for interest or enjoyment, developmental, stylistic, and copyediting was the only combination tested that produced a significant difference in readers’ overall perceptions.
The findings suggest that grammar and punctuation contribute most to reader experience when they are part of a broader editing process that also improves understanding, usability, and engagement. Quantitative results pointed to a more modest effect from copyediting alone across the materials tested, while follow-up interviews reinforced the value some readers place on error-free copy.
ACES funded the independent study to better understand how readers experience professionally edited content and to provide evidence editors and organizations can use when discussing the value of editing. Writing System Institute conducted the research from October 2025 to August 2026.
Researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of 584 U.S. adults and conducted follow-up interviews with 22 participants. Readers responded to edited or unedited versions of six materials, including workplace instructions, reports, blog posts and a LinkedIn post.
The materials received different levels of editing, ranging from copyediting to combinations of developmental, stylistic and copyediting. Researchers measured readers’ perceptions of readability, comprehension, attention, accuracy, source credibility and interest in reading more from the same source.
The interviews also highlighted differences in what readers expect from different types of content. Participants wanted work-related materials to be easy to understand and use, while materials read for interest or enjoyment needed to hold their attention. Across both categories, readers valued content tailored to its audience through appropriate language, relevant detail, clear organization and effective tone.
Although researchers did not ask directly about generative artificial intelligence, participants raised concerns about AI-generated writing. They described it as potentially polished but also overly wordy, inaccurate or lacking a human tone, issues that developmental and stylistic editing can help address.
Based on the findings, the report recommends involving editors earlier in content development, emphasizing the human skills editors bring to the process, recognizing accuracy checking as a marketable skill or ethical responsibility, and communicating more clearly how editing benefits writers and readers.
The study fulfills a strategic goal established by the ACES Board of Directors to provide stronger evidence of editing’s value and support editors in demonstrating the impact of their work.
About ACES: The Society for Editing
ACES: The Society for Editing is the nation’s leading organization for editing professionals, educators, and students. Founded in 1997 by copy editors, ACES is dedicated to improving the quality of the written word and the working lives of editors. It advances standards of editorial excellence and supports editors across industries and career stages through conferences, professional training, networking, and opportunities for growth.
About Writing System Institute
Founded as Graham Associates Consulting by Judith Graham, PhD, in 1985, Writing System Institute (WSI) is a woman-owned small business (WOSB) dedicated to writing training for professionals. Using the copyrighted Writing System developed by Judith and her husband, Daniel (Dan) Graham, MBA, this family business has taught over 100,000 professionals how to write effectively and efficiently. They delivered customized courses for government, private, and nonprofit organizations, and they trained professionals one-on-one in personalized writing coaching sessions. They also wrote The Writing System textbook to provide these professionals with additional practice after a course or coaching session. Visit WSI at its website.
Contact
Gigi Sutton
Executive Director, ACES: The Society for Editing
jehansutton@aceseditors.org
(224) 420-2664