Editing Services
There are three types of editing
Structural Editing
‘Big picture’ editing. Overall structure. Theme. Consistency. Voice. Message. Arc.
Copy Editing
It’s all about paragraphs, sentences and words. Repetition. Ambiguity. Concise expression.
Proofreading
Finishing touches. Typos in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Can I get a sample edit?
Absolutely! Requesting a sample edit is a great way to see if you like my editing style and if this type of editing is what you need. After the sample is completed, if you decide to continue with your full manuscript, the cost of the sample edit will be deducted from the full quote.
Other options ~ assessments
Manuscript assessment
A manuscript assessment (also known as a critique or an appraisal) is a written report that outlines the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript. It’s a cost-effective way to have fresh eyes on your work so you can determine what stage your manuscript is at, and where you need to head next.
Having your manuscript assessed is recommended as it will help you determine what type of editing you need.
Beta reading
Beta reading is a form of manuscript assessment where the feedback is from the perspective of a reader (rather than an editor). This type of assessment helps you determine if your manuscript is meeting the needs of your target audience in terms of engagement and adherence to genre.
If you’re after constructive criticism and support, a beta read assessment is practical and cost-effective.
Structural Editing
Sometimes called a developmental edit, structural editing looks at the big picture issues, including theme, voice and consistency.
If you’re writing fiction or memoir, I’ll look at your narrative arc, plot, characters and setting. We’ll discuss point of view and voice as well as other elements, such as themes and tension.
If you’re writing non-fiction, including articles, web content and blogs, I’ll check the believability and consistency of your content, its relevance and clarity, how the writing is organised and whether anything is missing.
My focus is always on where your strengths lie, and I use these to help you develop your impact in other areas. At all times, any suggestions made are exactly that ~ suggestions. The integrity of your work is always maintained.
If you’re a few drafts in and feel like you’re going round in circles, or you think you’ve finished but you’re not sure, a structural edit will come in very handy.
Copy Editing
Sometimes referred to as line editing, a copy edit follows your structural edit.
When I’m copy editing your writing, my role is to help ensure every word, sentence and paragraph sends the message you intend. A copy edit looks as consistency of voice, point of view and tense. It also considers whether your writing is as concise as it can be, the strength of any dialogue, and issues in spelling and grammar.
Of course, your individual writing style plays a key role, so the copy editing process is transparent and collaborative.
Proofreading
The proofreading process is the very last stage before a document or manuscript goes to print and is released to the critical eyes of the world. When I’m proofreading, I assume you have already perfected your words as much as you can with a structural edit and at least one copy edit pass.
As your proofreader, I will focus on finding any wayward commas, slippery spelling and grammar typos and font sizes that are trying to get away with being a smidge bigger than their peers.
A professional proofread adds the polish to your work so it goes out in the best shape possible.