Levels of Editing
After self-editing, authors can opt to go through several levels of editing using a professional editor. Some of these editing services include:
- Developmental
- Line editing and copyediting
- Proofreading
Not every author chooses to go through all the levels, and not all editors offer all these services. However, a copyedit and proofread are the bare minimums that I recommend.
Developmental
A developmental edit looks at the big picture of your work, and you’ll need to be open to making a lot of changes here. For instance, in fiction, this is where you and your editor will look at revising your plot; adding, reordering, or removing whole scenes or even chapters; any major head-hopping issues; whether characters work and make sense; and whether your content fits the genre you are working in. Expect awkward wording, typos, and grammatical errors to be untouched—a typical developmental editor leaves these details for later.
At this time, Proof It does not offer developmental editing.
Line Editing and Copyediting
Often after a developmental edit comes line editing and then copyediting.
Some authors are comfortable with their overall plot, pacing, and characterization, so some authors will jump right to line editing and skip the developmental edit.
Some editors, like me, combine line editing and copyediting into one when performing a heavier edit.
A line edit focuses on flow and strengthening readability. I will check for:
- Flow and readability
- Repetition
- Clarity and ambiguity
- Word choice
- Wordiness and awkward phrasing
- Consistent voice
When it comes to fiction, I will also look for:
- Consistent POV
- Consistent/applicable tense
- Minor plot inconsistencies
- Telling versus showing
- Minor head-hopping
- Dialogue tags
- Action beats
As part of the copyedit, I will focus on:
- Consistency in style (Chicago, AP, house style, etc.)
- Hyphenation
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Syntax
- Number formatting
I will strive to maintain the author’s voice. In order to maintain the author’s complete control of their work, I will note all changes using the Track Changes function in Word (or the equivalent in Google Docs). If you have any questions, you can always feel free to reach out.
With a line edit and copyedit combo, you’ll get:
- Your thoroughly edited file with easy-to-follow changes
- A separate clean file with all edits accepted
- A comprehensive style sheet
I offer this service for:
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Business/marketing material
- Blogs
- Articles
- Websites
and more!
Proofreading
Proofreading is your last chance to catch any egregious errors. I will proofread documents and manuscripts after they have been line edited and/or copyedited. Proofreading keeps an eye out for a lot of the same issues as in copyediting such as:
- Consistency in style
- Hyphenation
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Syntax
- Number formatting
However, this check should involve very few corrections. This check cleans up more of the errors above missed in copyediting (since editors are human too!) as well as errors introduced in the previous steps.
Larger issues such as plot inconsistencies, head-hopping, and the like will not be addressed at this level of editing.
In terms of printed material or material set in a PDF, I will also check:
- Page breaks
- Headers and footers
- Page numbers
- Widows and orphans
If you have had your work copyedited, it’s time for a proofread.
I offer this service for:
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Business/marketing material
- Blogs
- Articles
- Websites
- Theses and dissertations (as permitted by the academic institution)
and more.
Other Services for Writers
Beta Reading for Fiction
A beta read typically occurs after an author has self-edited their work to the best of their ability. Some authors choose to wait to do a beta read after they have hired a developmental editor while others move forward with beta reading before hiring a developmental editor.
Typically, beta readers are unpaid friends, family, acquaintances, or other writers who provide feedback at their own convenience—if they are able to provide feedback at all.
When it comes to unpaid beta readers, I recommend getting help from other writers as they know the craft—you may even offer to beta read their manuscript as they read yours. However, I also recommend getting a professional beta reader or two who can give you a perspective you may not get otherwise.
A professional beta reader is guaranteed to give you feedback—and the feedback will likely not be biased based on how much the reader likes you (or doesn’t like you). You can expect a comprehensive report with meaningful comments from a professional beta reader—this can help guide you with any rewriting you may or may not want to do.
While Proof It does offer editing services, spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPAG) issues will not be addressed nor will awkward wording or repetition be fixed. Those issues are typically not addressed in a beta read.
I offer beta reading for fiction, including but not limited to young adult (YA), fantasy, modern literature, and short stories.
Microsoft Word Formatting
Sloppy formatting can lead to your work being rejected. This service will help visually clean up your work. Your formatting will be cleaned up using Microsoft’s styles. Using styles ensures consistency throughout your document.
Proof It does offer some basic formatting in Microsoft Word and will ensure that your styles have you covered. Contact me if you would like to discuss your project.
Sample Edit
Sample edits are crucial to helping editors and writers determine if they are a good match for each other. As a writer, you can get a feel for how the editor works.
Some editors charge for samples—some do not. Neither approach is wrong.
Proof It does offer free sample edits of up to 1,000 words for projects that are a minimum of 10,000 words.
Reach out for more information.
General Pricing
These, of course, are general price points and brief overviews of the services provided. Each project has its own unique set of needs. Rates can vary based on project specifics. Please contact me so that I can get you an estimate tailored to your project and its needs.
Let’s get your story told.
Prices are subject to change until an agreement is in place.