Copy-editing is the process whereby editors check the draft text to ensure correct spelling, grammar and conformity with the pre-agreed style requirements and to correct any inconsistencies or inaccuracies. General aspects of copy-editing are discussed in Chapter 7, but it is important to pay attention to those technical copy-editing tasks necessary to ensure validity of drug and therapeutic information. Inserted text should be checked for:

- the consistent use of drug names (recommended International Non-proprietary Names (rINN)), and disease names;

- conformity of all units of measurement with the SI units applied in the WMF text;

- accuracy of local units of measure and provision of explicit and accurate conversions to SI units;

- definitions of any local abbreviations added;

- compatibility between new local text in the introduction and in the newly added monographs; and

- accurate cross-references and potential connections to existing cross-references.

Special attention must also be paid to the careful validation of the new text using current references (i.e. Martindale drug reference guide and other drug information textbooks, selected clinical guidelines, drug reviews and manufacturer’s literature).

Finally, meticulous proofreading of the last draft to check for accuracy of content and consistency of style will ensure a high-quality publication (see further details in Chapter 7).

The writing and editing of special information sections is discussed in Chapter 6.

Figure 4.3. Cost comparison of antihypertensive agents

(Regional formulary and therapeutic manual, 6th ed., 2002, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and Pharmaceutical Procurement Services)

SR = Slow release