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The Copyediting Process

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My copyediting will entail:

  1. Reading the draft of the manuscript all the way through to become familiar with your writing style and the way in which you communicate with the reader. 

  2. Taking a second pass to address both "big picture" style issues and technical issues including grammar, consistency, continuity, factual accuracy, and legal liability. The distinction will be familiar based on the discussion of line editing versus copyediting.

  3. Creating a style sheet listing editorial choices made during editing to be retained by you for application to future texts.

  4. Querying where an issue arises that is not a straightforward matter of spelling, punctuation, or grammar.

  5. Providing feedback regarding content, organization, and structure, if requested.​

 

The "level of copyediting" you are seeking is another way to determine the tasks you wish me to perform:

In order to meet your needs, we will discuss and determine the level of copyediting you desire. The level of copyediting depends on a wide array of factors including: the stage of the editing process, the schedule and budget for the project, your experience with editing, the primary audience, and the intended visibility of the document. Following is a brief description of levels. Remember, nothing is set in stone.

  • Light copyediting includes mechanical editing, correcting clear grammar errors, and ensuring consistency with the style guide of your choice. It will also include checking correlating parts such as footnotes, endnotes, and citations against text and questioning apparently incorrect or inconsistent facts.

  • Medium copyediting will identify confusing text and offer suggested revisions. It will also include checking apparently incorrect or inconsistent facts with available resources.

  • Heavy copyediting will rewrite confusing text and revise any incorrect or inconsistent facts as verified by reputable sources.

 

Editing can be done in the format that works best for you including:

  • Microsoft Word’s Track Changes

  • Adobe PDF

  • Google Docs

  • Hand editing a hard copy

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