Content Editing and Copy Editing
The editing services I offer include content editing (sometimes known as substantive editing) and copy editing (sometimes known as line editing), with emphasis dependent upon the author’s requests and concerns. There is some inconsistency in how the various types of editing are defined
or identified throughout the industry, so here's how I define these terms based on how I edit:
Content editing can be as intensive as the author wishes and focuses on such aspects of a story as:
Copy editing conforms to the Chicago Manual of Style unless otherwise requested (MLA, APA, AP, and In-House Style Guides can all be accommodated), and includes a review of:
or identified throughout the industry, so here's how I define these terms based on how I edit:
Content editing can be as intensive as the author wishes and focuses on such aspects of a story as:
- Characterization
- Plot development
- Narrative flow
- Tone
- Pacing
- Plot holes (identifying them and filling them)
- Ensuring consistency throughout the document in all aspects (e.g., characterization, logic, objects and locations within the plot, avoiding Chekhov's guns, etc.)
- Dialogue (crisp, clear, authentic)
- Character development
- Themes
- World building
- Assistance with building or preserving voice and style
- Ensuring readability and clarity of content
- Appeal to target markets
- Creating compelling hooks
Copy editing conforms to the Chicago Manual of Style unless otherwise requested (MLA, APA, AP, and In-House Style Guides can all be accommodated), and includes a review of:
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Tense
- Point of view inconsistencies
- Basic formatting
- Word choice ("confusables" and appropriateness of vocabulary)
- Sentence structure
- Rhythm and flow at a sentence level
- Paragraph structure
- Text and paragraph spacing
- Clarity, accuracy, and consistency
- Consistent use of UK/Canadian/US English
- Style Guide conformity
FICTION EDITING SERVICES
For: Traditionally Published Authors, Self-Published Indie Authors, Anthologists
Including: Short Stories, Anthologies, Novels, Novellas, Series, and Novel Collections. All genres and lengths accepted.
I accept all genres, though I specialize in horror, detective and crime fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and suspense. I can be reached at [email protected] or through the contact form on this site for consultation.
Proper grammar and clean prose are essential to a successful manuscript, but the most important aspects of any writing projects are clarity and consistency. I focus both on the small details and the bigger picture in a story. I also believe that rules may be bent in favor of the voice, clarity, and style of a story. I pride myself on my ability to preserve and encourage an individual author’s unique voice and style, and I am committed to aiding my authors in developing as writers. My editing style is flexible and tailored to each author based on the feedback I receive. |
My job is to facilitate an author’s best work and to ensure the editing experience is a positive one—no one should have to dread sending a manuscript to their editor. If you believe we would be a good fit for each other, please contact me at [email protected] or through the contact form on this site. I am also happy to work with publishing houses, large or small. I offer free sample edits of 1,000 words for any work exceeding 5,000 words (no short stories, please) so we can work together to determine if we will be the right fit for each other and for the project.
Technical Details
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- If applicable, please include style guide specifications, including the style guide and edition required, or include your in-house style guide. If a particular style guide is required to be used that is not already in my possession, it will be the responsibility of the client to provide me with a copy of the style guide prior to the start of the edit. When submitting the manuscript itself, please also make note of any problem areas or concerns that you would like me to pay special attention to.
- The manuscript must be submitted in Microsoft Office Word format (.doc or .docx).
- Changes made to the document will be tracked using Word’s Track Changes feature and comments will be included throughout. Though basic edits to the manuscript in the case of simple grammar or typos will be presented as self-evident, any other changes made will be accompanied by a comment to explain the reasoning. The author must have a working knowledge of Track Changes and MS Word software to ensure a productive editing experience.
- How soon a manuscript will be returned will depend on current workload and availability. My average time to return a completed MS is generally two months. While I do keep a waitlist, please consider booking an editing slot a year in advance. I am happy to provide a time estimation upon request, and I will give a firm deadline before accepting your manuscript. If an author requires faster service than the deadline given, arrangements may be negotiated at an hourly rate.
- All payments must be made through etransfer. Half the total funds will be due before editing begins and the second half after the manuscript has been returned. Receipts and invoices will be provided by email. If paypal is required for payment, an additional charge of 3% will be implemented. Cheques may also be accepted at no additional charge.
- Any requests for clarification will be handled through email at no charge.
- Contact to arrange a sample edit. After a sample edit has been completed, you'll also receive a quote on the estimated cost of editing for the project and schedule. Quotes may vary depending on the amount of work a manuscript is anticipated to require, and may be quoted at a flat rate or an hourly rate depending on the project. Narrative non-fiction is always quoted at an hourly rate.
- In cases where the manuscript requires intensive editing (unanticipated by the original quote) the quoted rate may change. Should that occur, you will be consulted before any price changes are implemented.
- Substantive editing is a collaborative process between an editor and an author. For many authors, it's one of the best, most stimulating experiences they engage in during the process of writing their novel because it involves such a detailed level of personalized feedback. Often during this process, aspects of the novel that need additional revision on the author's part will come to light, such as the need to rework a plot thread or adjust some character development. An editor will guide you in this, but when you get your manuscript back there may still be some work for you to do to get your story to that final publishable level. Once you have your manuscript back in these cases, if you do find that you end up making substantive changes based on feedback on your work, it is likely that these changes will introduce copy errors (such as typos) into the document. Though the editor will have returned to you a clean, copy-edited document, you may find yourself needing to get a final proofread prior to publishing in these cases. Proofreaders are the final set of eyes on a document prior to print, and proofreading is a specialized skill set for this purpose different than copy or content editing. Generally, your copy/content editor should be a different person from your proofreader (if you do decide you require one) so they have clear eyes when they read your manuscript for the first time and they aren't too close to the project. Though obtaining a proofreader at the end of a copy/content edit isn't always necessary and your document will of course be returned to you in good condition, I always recommend a final proofread if you do make substantive changes to the text after we work together.
Terms and Conditions
See Terms and Conditions for the fine print.
Rates
Contact me to discuss hourly rates. To estimate how long your work will take to edit, a sample edit will be required. While copy editing is generally a much faster process, if you also require content editing then a combined copy/content edit is often more efficient. Let's chat to see what works for your project.
Resources for Authors
Other Recommended Resources:
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