What is a copy edit/content edit/proofread?
You can find information about what I include in each service on my Editing Services and Rates page. If anything is unclear or you need further details, you are welcome to contact me via email.
Which editing service do I need?
I offer a free 1,000-word sample edit to new clients. At your request, I can give you a recommendation as to which editing service will best meet your needs. In general terms, if you want feedback on your story, you need a content edit; if you need in-depth spelling, grammar and punctuation corrections, you need a copy edit; if you are confident your book is clean and just want an extra pair of eyes to catch any mistakes you missed, a proofread is your best bet. I recommend a copy editing/proofreading package to any author whose book contains numerous fundamental errors.
What is your editing process?
I use Microsoft Word Track Changes (located under the Review tab on the toolbar at the top of the document) during a copy edit or proofread. This tool records the corrections I make to a manuscript. These can be viewed by the author and accepted or rejected one by one or all at once. I recommend that authors go through corrections carefully rather than accepting them all at once. I use comments (also under Review) to query possible errors or inconsistencies throughout the text. During a content edit I use comments to provide feedback as I go, as well as providing a multi-page analysis at the end of the manuscript.
Do you guarantee an error-free final product?
I do my utmost to find and correct every single error. I have extensive linguistic knowledge and editing experience, and I do a thorough, professional job. However, I am a person, not a machine, and there is always a chance that a small typo or two will slip through the net. The cleaner you can make the manuscript before sending it to me, the easier it is for me to present you with a spotless final copy. More editing passes equals fewer errors. I recommend thorough self-editing as well as a professional copy edit and proofread in order to ensure all errors have been caught.
Do you use a style guide?
I loosely follow the Chicago Manual of Style, but I bow to the stylistic preferences of the author where appropriate. Above all, I strive for consistency as opposed to religious adherence to a specific style guide. If you have a style guide you would like me to use, I am happy to do so.
How does payment work?
Once I have completed my edits and emailed them to you, I create a PayPal invoice and send it to your email. It is not necessary to have a PayPal account in order to pay the invoice. In rare cases, I might ask for a 50% advance payment. This is generally for projects spanning a longer time scale.
What is your turnaround time?
I generally try to turn things around within a week. It might take longer for a big project or when my schedule is particularly packed. If I anticipate a project taking more than a week, I will try to let you know in advance.
How far in advance should I book?
I generally recommend booking a month or two in advance in order to secure a time which is convenient for you. Occasionally I will have last-minute spots open up due to cancellation or rescheduling, so it’s always worth checking if I have a short-notice availability.
What if I have to cancel?
If you find yourself unable to meet your deadline for any reason, please try to let me know as far in advance as possible so I can make other arrangements. I do not have any penalties for cancellations and I try to work with you to reschedule at a time that works better for you.
You can find information about what I include in each service on my Editing Services and Rates page. If anything is unclear or you need further details, you are welcome to contact me via email.
Which editing service do I need?
I offer a free 1,000-word sample edit to new clients. At your request, I can give you a recommendation as to which editing service will best meet your needs. In general terms, if you want feedback on your story, you need a content edit; if you need in-depth spelling, grammar and punctuation corrections, you need a copy edit; if you are confident your book is clean and just want an extra pair of eyes to catch any mistakes you missed, a proofread is your best bet. I recommend a copy editing/proofreading package to any author whose book contains numerous fundamental errors.
What is your editing process?
I use Microsoft Word Track Changes (located under the Review tab on the toolbar at the top of the document) during a copy edit or proofread. This tool records the corrections I make to a manuscript. These can be viewed by the author and accepted or rejected one by one or all at once. I recommend that authors go through corrections carefully rather than accepting them all at once. I use comments (also under Review) to query possible errors or inconsistencies throughout the text. During a content edit I use comments to provide feedback as I go, as well as providing a multi-page analysis at the end of the manuscript.
Do you guarantee an error-free final product?
I do my utmost to find and correct every single error. I have extensive linguistic knowledge and editing experience, and I do a thorough, professional job. However, I am a person, not a machine, and there is always a chance that a small typo or two will slip through the net. The cleaner you can make the manuscript before sending it to me, the easier it is for me to present you with a spotless final copy. More editing passes equals fewer errors. I recommend thorough self-editing as well as a professional copy edit and proofread in order to ensure all errors have been caught.
Do you use a style guide?
I loosely follow the Chicago Manual of Style, but I bow to the stylistic preferences of the author where appropriate. Above all, I strive for consistency as opposed to religious adherence to a specific style guide. If you have a style guide you would like me to use, I am happy to do so.
How does payment work?
Once I have completed my edits and emailed them to you, I create a PayPal invoice and send it to your email. It is not necessary to have a PayPal account in order to pay the invoice. In rare cases, I might ask for a 50% advance payment. This is generally for projects spanning a longer time scale.
What is your turnaround time?
I generally try to turn things around within a week. It might take longer for a big project or when my schedule is particularly packed. If I anticipate a project taking more than a week, I will try to let you know in advance.
How far in advance should I book?
I generally recommend booking a month or two in advance in order to secure a time which is convenient for you. Occasionally I will have last-minute spots open up due to cancellation or rescheduling, so it’s always worth checking if I have a short-notice availability.
What if I have to cancel?
If you find yourself unable to meet your deadline for any reason, please try to let me know as far in advance as possible so I can make other arrangements. I do not have any penalties for cancellations and I try to work with you to reschedule at a time that works better for you.