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Editing and Proofreading
The Why You Need An Editor page explains the importance of hiring an editor to get your document to a professional standard. This page goes into further detail on what services are available. While many people are content with the opinions of friends and family, it is worth bearing in mind that people can often find it difficult to be fully detached when it involves a friend or family member - especially if the feedback will be somewhat negative. A professional editor will not only be completely honest, they will also have a sharper eye that will pick up nuances in the text or comment on the writing style in ways that friends and family won't or can't.
For proofreading and editing, changes are noted with track changes in Microsoft Word so the client can see everything that has changed quickly and easily without comparing the received document with the original. This also allows the client to accept or reject all changes individually or collectively.
Developmental Editing
A developmental edit will involve working with a client to develop a manuscript (or other type of document) from the initial concept through the various drafts to completion. The editor in this stage will discuss content, layout and presentation, and the process will involve researching, writing and rewriting where necessary.
Critique
A critique is something offered for work-in-progress documents where the writer is given feedback on how to improve the flow of the manuscript. Unlike copy editing, a critique is for feedback on documents that the writer does not yet considered finished, which is particularly useful for first-time novelists who are lacking confidence in their work.
Copy Editing (a.k.a Line Editing)
A copy edit is when an editor goes through the document - whether it is a manuscript, proposal or something else - and checks the technical side of things. This will include the layout, consistency with formatting, consistency of punctuation and spelling (it is not uncommon for writers to inadvertently switch between American and English spelling, or writing a quote with single quotation marks then double quotation marks without noticing), the overall structure and flow of the story as well as the writing style. The last point often worries writers that the book will no longer be their own, but fear not; checking the writing style is not about turning it into the editor's book but ensuring the writing is of a professional standard. Often when we sit down and start writing the sentence structure and words used can seem elementary, making it difficult for a reader to sink their teeth into. An editor will either make changes or leave comments with suggestions on how to elevate the standard of writing. Conversely, adult writers working on a book for a younger audience may write in a way that is beyond the reading capabilities of children or young teenagers, and an editor will advise on making it less adult. A copy edit will be the stage in which an editor may suggest removing sections, adding sections or rewriting/clarifying existing parts.
During a copy edit the document will be checked for clarity and sense, ensuring the 'voice' is consistent throughout, checking word usage is appropriate and that the writer hasn't used too many words as is necessary to make a point or underwriting something and, when necessary, cross-checking references. Also at this stage grammar and syntax will be checked.
Proofreading
This is the final stage before a document is ready for publication or release to the public in other forms such as a presentation, thesis or proposal. Proofreading will be a final check for inconsistencies in the text and formatting, punctuation, grammar and spelling. This is the stage at which a document goes from being almost ready to feature perfect.
If you need any of the above, or simply want to discuss a project, please get in touch.
