- What is the difference between proofreading and copyediting?
- What is the difference between basic and advanced editing?
- How can I ensure that my style remains intact?
- What is the difference between a standard and custom rate?
- How can I improve my manuscript to qualify for a lower editing rate?
- What’s the difference between a novel and a memoir?
- How can one person have the expertise to edit a wide range of specific subject matter or creative styles?
What is the difference between proofreading and copyediting?
Beyond the breakdown of what each of these categories consists of technically (see this page), really the difference in rates comes down to the overall quality of the writing. When I do an estimate it’s based on the time it takes to make the necessary corrections for clarity. Nine times out of ten, a piece of writing will happen to fall into one of these two rate categories.
What is the difference between basic and advanced editing?
Basic copyediting covers word usage and sentence structure and flow; another term for this task is line editing. Advanced editing/rewriting goes beyond comments on problematic sentences to suggest rewording. It also addresses the higher level of organization, structure and flow in the work as a whole, and adds changes and comments regarding finer points of language and style.
How can I ensure that my style remains intact?
All changes and comments are subject to review using Word’s Track Changes feature. My approach is to make changes where rules of proper usage and style clearly apply, and to add suggestions or comments in cases where the intention is unclear or choices are available.
What is the difference between a standard and custom rate?
Most editing jobs fall fairly within one of the three standard rates. In some cases a sample edit will warrant a custom rate between one of the standard rates. All rates are based on the editing time required, so another option is to proceed as needed with an hourly rate.
How can I improve my manuscript to qualify for a lower editing rate?
Instead of applying every change, I can point out common errors or style issues for the writer to look for and change on your own. I also provide rules and tools for self-editing, so you can apply some of the same standards I use, to improve your document before I work on it.
How can one person have the expertise to edit a wide range of specific subject matter or creative styles?
I begin with a high-quality, liberal arts education from an Ivy League college (Dartmouth, supplemented by a lifetime of reading widely, and varied life experience. My specialized skill in dealing with language was honed with a master’s degree in English (University of Victoria) and decades spent practicing the craft of writing for publication. Finally it comes down to an ability to read for meaning and clarity, regardless of subject matter or genre, style or intended audience.
Copyediting and Proofreading | Formatting
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