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Services
How can I help?
I work with authors and organisations in a range of ways, as highlighted below. However, as each project is different I am more than happy to talk through your requirements to see which service would fit your needs best or if you require something more bespoke.
Manuscript review
Also called an editorial report, this service is ideal if you're not sure whether your text is ready for a developmental or copy edit. Rather than make edits to a text that may need significant changes, I review the content, structure, tone and flow of the text and write a comprehensive report highlighting strengths, weaknesses and recommendations. Manuscript reviews usually take place when a first draft is ready. However, I also work with authors before drafting to discuss ideas for document structure. Before undertaking any work I will discuss with the author the goal of the publication, the target audience and the main key messages they wish to convey.
Developmental editing
Also called substantive editing, this is a thorough review and edit that looks at the content, structure, tone, consistency and flow of the text as a whole. I will be looking to ensure that key messages are really clearly conveyed and that the text meets its goals and the needs of its audience. Significant changes or suggestions for changes may be made during this stage, so it is essential that enough time is allowed for the author to review and implement edits and suggestions before copy editing can begin.
Copy editing
This takes place once a final draft of the document is ready, but before it is formatted. Edits are made in track changes and queries are flagged up using the comments function of MS Word. This is not the time for large, structural changes, although minor structural suggestions (e.g. the odd shift in paragraph placement) may be made. The main tasks of copy editing include:
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Checking the suitability of the text for the intended audience.
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Ensuring that titles, key messages, recommendations and conclusions are meaningful and clear.
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Correcting grammar and punctuation errors.
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Ensuring that the text is consistent and follows style guide requirements, where one exists.
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Providing comments and suggestions on the content and structure of the text, for example sentence and paragraph length, unclear or unsubstantiated statements or passages, and the logical flow of the document
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Simplifying technical language and identifying terms that need further definition.
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Checking references against the bibliography and flagging missing references.
Document layout
I work in MS Word to produce a "camera ready copy" (CRC) version of your document. This service is ideal if your document will be turned into a PDF and made available online. It may be that the organisation you are working with has CRC guidelines, but I also work with authors to develop a bespoke layout style.
I can also format your eBook so that it is ready to be uploaded to Kindle Direct Publishing.
Proofreading
This takes place after a document has been edited and formatted/typeset, and just before it is ready to be published. It is the last chance to catch errors, and tasks include:
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Checking page numbers and page headings.
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Checking the table of contents against chapter titles and page numbers.
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Ensuring that illustrations, captions and labels correspond with each other and with the text.
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Ensuring spelling and hyphenation is consistent with the relevant style guide.
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Identifying errors and inconsistencies in layout and typography.
Copy writing
Trained in journalism, I work with individuals and organisations to write content for blogs, newsletters, websites, and more. This type of work is very dependent on client needs, so we will always have a really good discussion of your needs and goals before I start any work.
Fees
Depending on the work involved I charge either by word or by hour. Generally speaking, copy editing and proofreading are always by word, and other services are by hour. I can also work for a fixed fee on a project.
Although my rates depend on the project, on average I charge around £10 per 500 words for copy editing, £6 per 500 words for proofreading and £28 per hour for other services. This is in line with the minimum rates for editorial services suggested by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.