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 | correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage
while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text |
| checking for or imposing a consistent style and format |
| preparing a style sheet that documents style and format |
| reading for overall clarity and sense on behalf of the prospective
audience |
| writing queries to the client about apparent errors or
inconsistencies |
| performing a cross-check of references, art, figures, tables, equations,
or
other similar features for consistency with their mentions in the text |
Some manuscripts may need a bit more help than this. Perhaps the writer is not a native speaker, for instance, or the topic is deeply personal, or the text is too long and cuts need to be made. The writer may want advice on whether some material is repetitive or doesn't achieve the desired effect.
In many cases I can perform this heavier form of editing, which is called substantive editing. My publishing clients often request me specifically for such manuscripts, in fact, because they know I will treat the text, and the author, with tact and sensitivity.
For all types of editing, I use these standard reference books:
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Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition (for books) or the Associated Press Stylebook (for articles, advertising, and the like) |
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Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition |
If you’d prefer that I use other
references or special word
lists, please discuss this with me before I prepare an estimate for you.
When should copyediting happen?A copyeditor often makes many corrections on each page. Because of this, copyediting is best (and most economically) done when the text is still in Microsoft Word files (that is, before it has been typeset or sent to a designer).
Similarly, you
should have completed your own editing of your document before you give it
to me. If you continue to edit or revise your document after it has been copyedited,
you risk introducing new errors and inconsistencies.
What will your copyedited document look like?I copyedit your document directly in Microsoft Word using the Track Changes feature, which makes my corrections visible to you as either underlined text (additions) or crossed-out text (deletions). (Click here for a sample.)
When you receive the edited file back from
me, you will be able to alter any corrections you disagree with and then accept the remaining
corrections (using a single command) to yield a clean, copyedited file.
(Click here to see a clean version of the sample.)
When
I have questions for you regarding inconsistencies, unclear passages, and so
on, I will enter them as Footnotes. You’ll need to review them, edit the text
accordingly, and then delete them. If you'd like me to do this or to proofread
your additions, please discuss this with me before I prepare an
estimate for you.
What's next?Interested in working with me? Click here for details on how to proceed.
What is copyediting?