Editing Services
Copyediting
Congratulations! You've made it through the developmental editing and revisions process, and you are on the final draft of your manuscript. Now your book is ready for copyediting. In copyediting, I focus on the fine details of your manuscript, to ensure internal consistency and sand off any rough edges.
What can you expect to get from this copyediting service?
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A copyedited manuscript (done using Track Changes and the comments function in a Microsoft Word), that addresses the following:
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grammar, spelling, and punctuation​
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repetition, echoes, and confusing or awkward phrasing
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minor plot or character inconsistencies (for example timeline inconsistencies or a character's hair color changing mid-story)
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consistency in point of view and tense
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consistency in spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, and the use of italics and other text styling
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dialogue tags versus action beats and other style considerations
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A style sheet that documents style and formatting preferences, ​a list of terms, character names, place names, and a story timeline
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final step of the editing process. Your book is almost done! Typically proofreading is done on a PDF file after your book has been typeset and formatted for printing. If you are planning on doing ebook publishing, or if you would just like a final polish of your manuscript before submitting it somewhere, then proofreading can also be done in a Word doc with Track Changes.
What can you expect to get from proofreading?
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A proofread manuscript (usually a PDF file if the manuscript has been typeset), that addresses any remaining errors, such as typos and leftover inconsistencies, as well as design and formatting issues (like page and chapter numbering, consistency in line spacing and design, caption or illustration consistency with the text, and more)
Fact-Checking
Fact-checking can happen at any point in the development of your manuscript, though I usually recommend fact-checking just before getting your manuscript copyedited or combining fact-checking and copyediting in a bundled service.
What can you expect to get from this fact-checking service?
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​A fact-checked manuscript that notes any factual errors or inconsistencies using the comments feature and Track Changes. All comments and checks will include a reference (either a link or citation) for the source used to verify the information. Fact-checked details include:
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names of people, places, or specific things (animal/species names, names of theories, historical newspaper headlines, etc.)
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quotes and attributions (from historical sources through current books, movies, songs, and other media
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dates
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accurate distances and travel time between locations
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biographical details of historical or public figures
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numerical facts and figures
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physical descriptions of people, places, and things
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illustrations and photos, including captions
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definitions and word choices
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and more
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Copyediting & Fact-Checking Bundle
Does your book need both copyediting and fact-checking? These two services can be bundled together so you can accomplish both at once, ensuring your manuscript is polished and accurate.
What can you expect to get from the copyediting/fact-checking bundle?
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Everything included in the copyediting service, including a style sheet.​​​
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Everything included in the fact-checking service.
Sample Edit
I offer sample copyediting and proofreading so you can see my approach to editing, get a feel for how copyediting or proofreading will make your book shine, and feel confident in choosing me for your book.
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For a sample edit, I will look at the first 10 pages of your manuscript, and either copyedit or proofread (whichever you select) those pages. A sample edit costs $35, but if you choose to move forward with a complete copyedit or proofread, that cost will be applied to the total cost of the service.