Kind words:
"Amy Litwin deserves more than thanks for typing and editing the book. Her suggestions were to the point, 'Did you not describe the heroine on purpose?' More importantly, she also believed in it."— Luluella Thompson, Author, Eleanor's Hope: Changing Expectations
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Copyediting can apply to a wide range of tasks that have traditionally been divided into line editing and copyediting. The line editor looks at the text at the sentence or paragraph level to address "bigger picture" style issues such as pacing, repetition, tonal shifts, unclear meaning, or overused words in order to "tighten" the writing. The copyeditor then addresses the mechanics of the text including grammar, technical consistency, continuity, factual accuracy, and potential legal liability. The goal of both line editors and copyeditors is to improve the writing for the intended reader.
Outside of traditional publishing, the distinction between line editing and copyediting often disappears as one editor performs both sets of tasks. Such is the case with the projects on which I work. The tasks of both line editing and copyediting fall within the rubric of copyediting. Click to see more detail on the Copyediting Process.
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Copyediting sample:
I like to work on a sample copy edit of up to the equivalent of five standard (250-word, double-spaced) pages before entering into a contract. Based on the sample, we can decide if we are a good fit as author and editor before entering into a contract for the larger project. The cost for a sample copy edit is $25, which amount will be applied to the total for the project in the event I perform the copyediting.​
Regular rate for copyediting:
Copyediting rates are typically based upon the type of editing needed, the degree of difficulty of the material, and the time frame in which the assignment must be completed. I work by the hour and typically charge within the median rate range reflected in the Editorial Freelancers Association 's Editorial Rates Chart. I can provide an exact rate and total project fee after discussing your project and performing a sample edit.
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Copyediting experience:
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text for a retail website and associated social media posts for bedding company
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catalogs, product line sheets, and hang tags
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romance novel
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nonfiction book on bedmaking
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corporate correspondence