My book is very nearly finished. With the help of Ulverston Writer's Group (UWG) I have been re-editing it chapter by chapter for the last 12 months. UWG say my writing has improved exponentially over that time. When I started writing I read a lot about finding my voice. This confused for a time, but then it sort of clicked.
I have been told I ought to get the book copy-edited. My question relates to just how much editing goes on? If they want to change how it is written will my 'voice' get edited out too.
That's correct, copy editing is where details, grammar, punctuation, consistency... are checked. A copy editor will not expect to make large alterations to your story, particularly the voice as that could interfere with the consistency of the whole piece. Copy editor should catch mistakes, your editor is the one who might make or suggest more significant changes. Good luck!
As far as I am aware, a copy editor will check facts ( was there really a comet in 1909), consistency -if Tom's hair is black in Chapter one, how come it's now red in Chapter 10, possible legal issues - libel, for instance and the usual grammar, punctuation and typo issues. They shouldn't interfere with your narrative at all.