FAQs
What is copyediting?
Copyediting involves correcting faulty spelling, grammar, and
punctuation; querying when something doesn’t make sense;
ensuring consistency in spelling, capitalization, hyphenation,
and other style issues; and smoothing out awkward or confusing sentences.
For manuscripts and articles, copyediting also involves ensuring that
citations are complete and their style is consistent; coding your manuscript
for typesetting if necessary; and creating a style sheet listing terms, names,
treatment of numbers, and so on.
What is proofreading?
For manuscripts and journal articles, proofreading is done after a manuscript has
been copyedited and typeset as the final editing stage before publication.
For other materials, proofreading is a very light review when editing is not needed
or desired. Proofreading involves looking for basic issues, such as typos, faulty
spelling, and egregious grammar as well as checking for typesetting errors in proofs.
How do I know if I need editorial assistance?
Whether you seek editorial assistance depends on three things: your audience, the nature of the writing, and your confidence with the English language. So although personal communications to friends are not normally a worry, a manuscript you plan to submit for publishing might need the required "polishing." And certainly when self-publishing, an editorial review is essential for presenting a professional work. Mistakes and inconsistencies can cause readers to take your writing less seriously and question your credibility. And even the best writers can use a fresh pair of eyes on their work.
Won’t the publisher edit my manuscript?
Usually, yes, the copy editors and proofreaders employed
by the publisher will edit your manuscript (although not
always). However, the initial editorial state of your writing
can greatly influence whether your manuscript is accepted.
A well-written, clean manuscript will not cost as much to
publish because the editing required will be minimal. It is
rare these days for a publisher to consider any manuscript that requires
major editorial work. Also, if you're self-publishing, you will need to have your own work edited.
How does the pricing work?
Every piece of writing is different. Therefore every edit is different, so I can’t tell you right now exactly how much it will cost to have your work edited. I estimate the cost and time involved from a free evaluation of your manuscript, which allows me to figure out the level of work involved.
Copyediting involves correcting faulty spelling, grammar, and
punctuation; querying when something doesn’t make sense;
ensuring consistency in spelling, capitalization, hyphenation,
and other style issues; and smoothing out awkward or confusing sentences.
For manuscripts and articles, copyediting also involves ensuring that
citations are complete and their style is consistent; coding your manuscript
for typesetting if necessary; and creating a style sheet listing terms, names,
treatment of numbers, and so on.
What is proofreading?
For manuscripts and journal articles, proofreading is done after a manuscript has
been copyedited and typeset as the final editing stage before publication.
For other materials, proofreading is a very light review when editing is not needed
or desired. Proofreading involves looking for basic issues, such as typos, faulty
spelling, and egregious grammar as well as checking for typesetting errors in proofs.
How do I know if I need editorial assistance?
Whether you seek editorial assistance depends on three things: your audience, the nature of the writing, and your confidence with the English language. So although personal communications to friends are not normally a worry, a manuscript you plan to submit for publishing might need the required "polishing." And certainly when self-publishing, an editorial review is essential for presenting a professional work. Mistakes and inconsistencies can cause readers to take your writing less seriously and question your credibility. And even the best writers can use a fresh pair of eyes on their work.
Won’t the publisher edit my manuscript?
Usually, yes, the copy editors and proofreaders employed
by the publisher will edit your manuscript (although not
always). However, the initial editorial state of your writing
can greatly influence whether your manuscript is accepted.
A well-written, clean manuscript will not cost as much to
publish because the editing required will be minimal. It is
rare these days for a publisher to consider any manuscript that requires
major editorial work. Also, if you're self-publishing, you will need to have your own work edited.
How does the pricing work?
Every piece of writing is different. Therefore every edit is different, so I can’t tell you right now exactly how much it will cost to have your work edited. I estimate the cost and time involved from a free evaluation of your manuscript, which allows me to figure out the level of work involved.