Copy Edit Confusion

The first time I ever had to do copy edits on my manuscript (the next part after revisions), my reaction was something like this:

Just to clarify, this isn't actually me.

So after reading past the first page and seeing marks in different colors of pencil and symbols that looked totally foreign to me, my expression changed to this:

Still, not  me

Then i realized my editor sent me a key to decipher all the symbols, as well as instructions. Who knew it would be so confusing? Not me.

For any author who's published a book, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't reached that stretch of your journey yet, here's an example of what some of the symbols mean:

So, imagine seeing your manuscript marked up with (in my case) tons of these symbols, along with notes in the margins. Some telling me what to change, other marks telling me not to pay attention to the previous comments.

So this week i'm finishing up with round 1 of revisions for RUMORS and soon after I'll have copyedits to do. And you better believe i'll need a refresher on all of this since it's been a year already!

What stage of the writing process are you currently in and have you learned anything new?

PS- leave a comment on Sofia's blog to enter and win "Sofia & Sam Sam Holiday Cards." Today is the last day to enter!