Copy editing and Proofreading - friendly high quality service.

Copy Editing & Proofreading

Making sure you write what you intended

Writing is a multi-layered process. Getting it right can be a complex experience and one which is hard to do entirely on your own.

That's where copy editing and proofreading come in. An experienced proofreader can spot errors quickly, even when the author and others have been through the text already.

A good copy editor will help you fine-tune the shape of a text for accuracy and greater impact, whatever the genre.

Get in touch

Copy Editing

What is copy editing?

Copy editing is the process of making a text clear, accurate and consistent. It's an important part of preparing a manuscript before it's submitted to a publisher.

Copy editing is different to line editing, which is more about style and the way a writer communicates with the reader; it's also separate from the work undertaken by a publisher's commissioning editor - although all of these functions can overlap.

What does my copy editing service include?

The service I provide includes proofreading and more detailed interrogation of technical accuracy. So, for example, I will look at spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax, as well as internal plot consistency and tone of voice.

These and other tasks may result in suggestions for vocabulary choices, sentence structure and content organisation, and how those help you make the impact you want. This can merge somewhat with line editing, but I'll still be focused on technical accuracy rather than your own writing style. I'll also undertake fact checking where it's relevant. We'll discuss that before I begin, so you're aware of the time and cost implications that go with the research. This service also includes working on AI generated content.

Proofreading

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final checking for errors and formatting issues in any written text. It is part of the copy editing process, but it can also be undertaken separately on a text which is otherwise ready to submit for publication.

What does my proofreading service include?

Proofreading includes checking for elements such as punctuation, capitalisation, spelling (automated spell checks rarely catch everything), missing or duplicated words, mis-chosen words (eg homophones) and basic suggestions for vocabulary and sentence structure.

It will also cover formatting, spacing and checking for typos - typographical errors. And even though it's really copy editing, I'll look at ensuring consistent use of grammar - the rules around how we structure language. So, even where the author has chosen to ignore a generally accepted rule, I'll make sure that is done consistently!

How do we begin?

I'll need a short sample so I can evaluate the work required

Each text or manuscript is different, so the proofreading or copy editing will be subtly different in each case. The best way of judging that is for you to share an extract so I can see what the job will entail. A page or two of a novel, or the start and a something from the middle of an article is usually enough. Everything you share (provided it is within the law) will be treated as confidential.

Getting the job under way

Once you're happy with my quoted price and time frame, I'll confirm the details of the commission back to you in an agreement for services. Once that's signed, I'll get on with the work. I'll deliver on time and there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss my suggested changes if you'd like to.