Services

Proofreading: The Final Polish

Proofreading is typically the last step before publication. The text is assumed to be largely finalized in terms of content, structure, and style. The focus is on catching surface-level errors.

Basics

• Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation: Correcting errors in syntax, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, apostrophes, commas, semicolons, quotation marks, etc.

• Typos: Identifying and fixing any accidental keystrokes or misspelled words.

Next Level

• Consistency Checks:

  • Spelling: Consistent usage of words (e.g., "color" vs. "colour").

  • Capitalization: Consistent use of capital letters.

  • Hyphenation: Consistent hyphenation (e.g., "well-being" vs. "wellbeing").

  • Numerals: Consistent presentation of numbers (e.g., "ten" vs. "10").

  • Abbreviations: Consistent use and definition of abbreviations.

  • Formatting: Consistent spacing, indentations, font styles, heading levels, and list formats.

  • Cross-references: Verifying that internal references (e.g., "see page 3") are accurate.

• Layout and Typography Errors:

  • Awkward page or word breaks.

  • "Widows" and "orphans" (single lines left at the top or bottom of a page).

  • Inconsistencies in layout or typography.

  • Incorrect captioning on illustrations or figures.

  • Correct page numbers in the table of contents.

Pricing

On request. The total price depends on word count and turnaround time. The average price per word is 1¢ (USD).

Copy Editing: Clarity, Cohesion,
and Craftsmanship

Copy editing goes deeper than proofreading. While preserving the author's voice, it focuses on the language and presentation to ensure the content is clear, concise, consistent, and effective for its intended audience.

Basics

• Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation: More comprehensive correction and refinement than proofreading.

• Readability and Engagement: Making suggestions to improve the overall readability and impact of the text.

• Adherence to Style Guides: Applying specific style guides (e.g. CMoS, AP, MLA, APA, client-specific or in-house).

• Word Choice: Enhancing vocabulary, ensuring appropriate word usage.

Next Level

• Clarity and Conciseness:

  • Rewriting awkward or unclear sentences.

  • Eliminating jargon, clichés, and redundancies.

  • Improving sentence structure and flow.

  • Ensuring logical progression of ideas.

• Consistency (beyond mechanical aspects):

  • Terminology: Consistent use of key terms.

  • Facts/Information: Basic fact-checking (e.g., names, dates, simple statistics).

  • Character/Plot Details: Consistency in character traits, timelines, and settings.

• Tone and Voice: Consistency and appropriateness throughout the document, and alignment with the client's brand voice.

• Formatting for Publication: Preparing the document for typesetting or web publication, including correct use of headings, bullet points, lists, and tables.

Pricing

On request. The total price depends on word count, depth of editing required, and turnaround time. The average price per word is 2–3¢ (USD).

Specialized Services: Unique Expertise

My specialized editing services span a comprehensive range of materials, providing meticulous attention to detail, optimizing for readability, and refining content for its unique purpose and audience.

Business/Corporate Editing: Annual reports, marketing materials, website content, proposals, job descriptions, presentations.

Book/Manuscript Editing: For fiction or non-fiction books.

Website/Blog Content Editing: Optimizing for web readability, user experience, and SEO.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Editing: Focusing on non-native English speakers' writing to improve fluency, natural phrasing, and idiomatic expression.

Pricing

On request. The total price depends on word count, complexity of editing, and turnaround time.
The average price per word is 4¢ (USD).