In the graphic design field there is a stage called the mechanicals. This is sometimes also referred to as prepress, although these days this word isn't particularly suitable to Web design, so the term preflight is growing in popularity. The mechanicals is that part of the design process that is all about fine-tuning the layout and images, and making sure everything will appear correctly in print or online.

What does all this have to do with copywriting? Writing copy also has its mechanicals stage. They are simply all the little things you need to do to get your draft copy from almost there to done.

Copywriting mechanicals involves proofreading, getting the facts straight, presenting your copy, getting approvals, making sure the copy fits, and numerous other little details. Most writers hate this part of the process because all the fun stuff is behind them — the creative thinking, the carefully wrought out words and phrases, the great ideas, the masterful selling job. It's like painting a room your favorite color, then having to do the tedious job of touching up the trim, cleaning the brushes, and putting everything away. Yet the job isn't complete until you do so.