Editing

Proofreading

So your manuscript has been critiqued, beta read and edited so many times that you're truly sick of it. You think you're done. But are you?

You do not want your manuscript to go to print with errors. It is unprofessional and causes readers to judge the quality of your writing through what might be tiny mistakes. Take that one last extra step to ensure nothing was missed.

Proofreading your manuscript includes a check for:
  • Typos
  • Spelling
  • Punctuation errors
  • Turned quotation marks, missing quotation marks, double periods
Although not reading for content, I may point out anything that jumps out at me as I read. Keep in mind that I am human, as is anyone else who might proofread your work. If something gets by me, please let me know. I'll make it up to you.

Copyediting

You've been over your manuscript so many times, you can't look at it for another minute. It looks good to you. It looks clean. You think it's done, but you're not sure. Maybe you don't have a critique partner or beta reader. Maybe you want an unbiased, professional look at your work.

You are not finished with your novel until it has been edited by someone other than you. It is nearly impossible to edit your own work. You have seen it too many times and are too close to the work to be objective. Try a copyeditor.  

Copyediting involves a more indepth look at your manuscript. It includes the proofreading list from above, as well as: 
  • Grammar
  • Word choice
  • Sentence structure
  • Verb tense
  • Clarity
  • Stylistic, voice and point of view consistency
  • Obvious plot holes
  • Over-used or unnecessary words 
With a clean and ready-to-be-edited manuscript, I can give you that extra pair of eyes you need to apply the finishing touches.

Track Changes in Word is used in editing. Small items such as spelling, typos and punctuation will be corrected in the text body. Anything more substantive will be suggested in the sidebar comments.