Editing Stages

Don’t know what type of editing work you need? Here’s a quick guide on what I do for each level of editing.

Stylistic Edit

With a stylistic edit, I will enhance the language you use to tell your story by:

  • Clarifying intended meaning by improving word choice and phrases
  • Ensuring text flows logically and consistently by adjusting the order of sentences and paragraphs
  • Refining and enriching language by establishing and maintaining reading level, tone, mood, and style

A stylistic edit with me – also known as a line edit – always includes a copy edit.

Copy Edit

With a copy edit, I will ensure your writing is error-free and consistent by:

  • Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word use
  • Ensuring uniformity and continuity of writing mechanics, facts, and details, as well as ensuring all written elements follow your approved style guide
  • Flagging anything requiring additional information, explanation, research, or permissions
Proofread

Just before your publication process begins, a proofread with me includes:

  • Reviewing sections of text that may have required major editing or adjustments
  • Catching minor mechanical errors, spelling mistakes, or style guide deviations
  • Looking for inconsistencies or inaccuracies of main elements, including front and back matter, running heads, headings, captions, and page numbers

Note: A proofread should already be set up in its final format and design. A PDF file should be prepared for this.

A close-up of a piece of paper in a vintage typewriter with the word "Comment:" typed on it.

And that’s not all! While working on any or all of the above, I comment throughout with suggestions, options, advice, and encouragement. For stylistic and copyediting, I use the Track Changes and Comments functions within your Microsoft Word document (highly recommended file type to use). I also communicate via quick emails to ensure we stay connected and that we have the same general understanding while working through your manuscript.