FAQ
What’s the process for working with you?
First, get in touch with me and tell me about your project. If you’d like a quote for an editing project, please include a sample of your work (500-750 words).
We’ll discuss your needs, materials, intended audience, and timeline. I’ll put together a quote for you. When we agree on the terms, we’ll sign a letter of agreement and I’ll send an invoice for the deposit. Once I have that deposit, I get to work!
Editing projects are done in Microsoft Word with Track Changes on. Proofreading projects can be done in Microsoft Word, PDF, or on hard copy. Layout design projects are done in Adobe InDesign.
What level of copyediting do I need?
Because editing projects vary in nature and scope, I begin by requesting a sample of the work to be edited (500-750 words). I’ll do a sample edit on this excerpt and calculate the estimated time and cost for the project. This ensures that the level of editorial treatment I perform matches your needs.
Why don’t you offer Light copyediting?
Traditionally, a light copyedit addresses only indisputable grammar/syntax errors. I have found that few writing rules are above dispute, however. What’s more, I know myself, and I know that I am unable to gloss over inconsistencies and ambiguities; I can’t let a fact go unchecked. I am going to give my all to your project; I don’t know how to give less.
If you feel your project needs a lighter touch, let’s talk about it. You may very well be right, and we can define the scope of my work together.
What’s the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Copyediting is done when the manuscript is nearly finished, but hasn’t yet gone to print. The copyeditor checks for grammar, spelling, syntax, style inconsistencies, factual errors, minor formatting issues, biased language, redundancy, etc.
Proofreading is performed on page proofs—a reproduction of what the finished product will look like. The proofreader ensures no typographical errors remain from the manuscript or were introduced during production. When I proofread, I check page numbers, formatting, header styles, chapter titles, placement and captioning of tables/charts/figures, layout esthetics (page and column widows, too many end-of-line hyphens), etc.
In a nutshell, copyeditors get the raw material into shape for publication: they edit copy; proofreaders do the quality check and final tidy-up: they read proofs.
Can you do project-based pricing?
Certainly! Email me with details of your project and a sample of the text to be edited, if applicable. We can discuss the project’s scope and I’ll put together a quote for you.