Proofreading
Proofreading happens at the very final stage of publication, so your manuscript should be as close to ready for publishing as possible before this step. I will:
- Check for typographical errors that have made it through previous rounds of editing
- Ensure that all grammar, spelling, and punctuation is correct within the document
- Flag any inconsistencies in capitalization, word use, spellings of names, and other details
- Check formatting of chapter titles, table of contents, paragraph and section breaks, and block quotes
- Proofread front matter or end matter for errors and consistency in formatting
You get:
- Your manuscript returned in Microsoft Word with track changes on, and a clean copy with all changes accepted, OR a PDF with corrections and comments made with annotations and stamps.
- A style sheet: a list of the decisions made regarding spelling, word use, punctuation, etc. throughout the proofread.
Copy Editing
Copy editing happens earlier in the editing process, and will include more substantive changes. I will:
- Read and make suggestions for things like word usage and clarity of language.
- Check for consistency in character and place descriptions throughout the book.
- Suggest changes for awkward or unclear sentences.
- Check your manuscript for typographical errors and inconsistencies in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Ensure correct use of punctuation surrounding dialogue and quotation marks.
- Ensure that all grammar, spelling, and punctuation is correct within the document
- Flag any inconsistencies in capitalization, word use, spellings of names, and other details
- Check formatting of chapter titles, table of contents, paragraph and section breaks, and block quotes
- Proofread front matter or end matter for errors and consistency in formatting
You get:
- An editorial report with my observations and suggestions for your manuscript
- Your manuscript returned in Microsoft Word with track changes on and comments included, and a clean copy with all changes accepted, OR a PDF with corrections and comments made with annotations and stamps.
- A style sheet: a list of the decisions made regarding spelling, word use, punctuation, etc. throughout the editing.
Above all, my goal is to eliminate errors and unclear passages so that your voice shines through and readers can be fully immersed in the story. With that in mind, I edit using Microsoft Word with the Track Changes feature turned on, so that you have final approval over all changes and corrections. When in doubt or if a passage is unclear, I will add a comment or query rather than outright make a change. If more than one change would make sense, I may make a couple of suggestions in the comment. If needed, I will include a short explanation of the rule in CMOS so you understand why I am making the suggestion.
Work With Me
Poynter/ACES Certificate in Editing (PDF)
If you’ve got a project I can help with, please fill out the form below to get in contact! I will follow up with a request for a sample of your manuscript, which will allow me to give you a quote.