within copy editing, there is mechanical editing and substantive editing: mechanical editing is the process of making a text or manuscript follow editorial or house style, keeping the preferred style and grammar rules of publication consistent across all content. it refers to editing in terms of spelling, punctuation, and correct usage of grammatical symbols, along with reviewing special elements like tables, charts, formatting footnotes, and endnotes. content editing, also known as substantive editing, is the editing of material, including its structure and organization, to correct internal inconsistencies and discrepancies. content editing may require heavy editing or rewriting as compared to mechanical editing.