The editing process

The editing process is where the 'spit and polish' begins. An editor's objective eye and mind can pick up on plot discrepancies, errors in punctuation and other problems with the manuscript that the author might not see. Perhaps you know what you you want to say with your writing, but your expression or sentence structure need help? During the editing process, I will keep in close contact with you so that you know how your edit is going. Any questions about your work will be handled efficiently via email or telephone with sensitivity to the author's requirements. Ultimately, it is the author who has to be happy with the finished product. Once I have incorporated the initial mark-ups into the electronic copy, it will be sent to the author for a final read through and checking. Any further changes are then made if necessary and the complete, edited version of the manuscript is returned to the author.

What is included?

The full copyedit is performed. This is more than just a proofread; it takes into account the layout, language and style, content, clarity, grammar, punctuation, spelling, checking of extra material (such as references and appendices) and the positioning of illustrations/artwork. There will be an initial mark-up on hardcopy (if supplied) and transferral of mark-ups to the electronic copy provided by the author. After final checks, this copy will be emailed back to the author. Fees are initially based on word count; however, major structural editing or major re-working of the manuscript will incur an extra cost depending on the amount of work that is required as will any extensive fact checking. Nonfiction books containing illustrations will attract a slightly higher fee. Phone calls, faxes and author consultation related to the edit (including emails) are included in the fee. Please email me for further details and how to submit your work.