Editing Services Provided

BASIC COPYEDITING

• some rewrites, changes, and comments regarding word and sentence usage

• some fixes to grammar, spelling, word choice, and punctuation errors

• some fixes to sentence structure

• ensuring language is clear, fluid, and flows (not awkward)

• rewriting awkward-sounding sentences, questioning meaning, fixing syntax issues

• checking and changing passive voice to powerful

• removing fluff words, incomplete sentences, orphans, etc.

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STRUCTURAL EDITING/SUBSTANTIVE EDITING

• revising, reordering, reducing, and expanding material​

• adding chapters, new material (original), combining chapters, re-ordering chapters 

• rewrites for better presentation

• addressing third-party quotes, material usage for permission

• changing or altering content from one medium to another, ie., from print to web

• recognizing plot issues, character development issues, plot resolution issues, sub-plot resolution issues, noting unaddressed tie-ins, plot holes, filler issues, show-and-tell issues, dialogue issues, and format issues

• note and identify possible unusual production requirements or omissions

• checking web links

• checking front matter, back matter, and cover copy

• editing indexes

• for non-fiction, ensure a section of citations has been added or is needed

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• we do NOT edit the system of citations or permission formats, nor do we add them as this requires a lot of time and research

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STYLISTIC EDITING/LINE EDITING

• clarifying sentence/word meaning

• ensuring coherence and flow

• refining language to avoid wordiness, fluff, and run-ons

• removing jargon, cliches, and euphemisms

• age-appropriate word choices

• age-appropriate language and subject level maintained throughout

• brand maintained throughout

• adjusting the length and structure of sentences, paragraphs, and chapters

• checking and ensuring continuity of tone, voice, mechanics and facts, mood, style, and level of authority

• consistency with anachronisms(time-period objects relativity), character names, relationships, locations

• correcting/querying general information for accuracy

• noting incorrect placements of headings and sub-headings

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• at additional cost: create a style sheet/guide to provide the author with referrable consistency, or edit an existing one provided

• at additional cost:  edit tables, figures, measurement conversions, and lists (research involved)

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PROOFREADING

• final copy before publishing, working on page proof (the book should already be designed and formatted)

• second pair of eyes for word mistakes like

  • typos, omissions, double-type, spacing, no-caps, no punctuation, paragraph format error

• presentation, including accuracy in text layout, image locations, appearance, and general book layout (if proofing before publishing)

• we do not proofread in place of copy, line, or developmental edits as many errors covered by the other types of editing will not be addressed therefore leaving work with mistakes. THIS IS the last step taken by the author/writer prior to publishing, it is not a substitution to copy-editing

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DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING/MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION/MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUING/EDITORIAL REPORT

Level One

• conceptual

• reads and provides feedback on character development, believability

• feedback on plot angles, sub-plot usage, needs, scenes, logic, flow

• whether incomplete or complete

• needs more or less a story

• consulting with the author on how to edit and improve the piece

• done at the early stage of writing, no markings of text at this level

• writes a thorough report summarizing their thoughts on the work, manuscript, article, etc.

FICTION:

Includes:

• Plot:

  • has holes

  • clear or unclear conflict

  • is the plot enticing, readable, interesting, and unique

  • does it resolve properly

    • do the sub-plots resolve

  • is it show not tell

  • are the scenes a narrative, and is the dialogue balanced

• Characters:

  • are protagonists well-defined, developed, and compelling

  • are motivations clear, and realistic

  • is the antagonist well-defined, and realistic

    • and are their motives believable ​

  • are interactions between protagonist and antagonist filled with tension, realistic, and their actions driven by clear motivations

  • are they unique in avoiding stereotypical actions and responses

  • are secondary characters just there with no purpose or do they aid in driving the protagonists toward their goals

• Setting:

  • is the setting developed as best as it should be

  • are there proper sub-settings in a place like social, political, religious, and economic as needed to describe the world the story takes place in

  • are there irrelevant details included that should be removed

  • do all add to the story

  • do they take away from the story?

• Pacing:

  • is the pacing keeping the reader engaged in the story

  • does it lag in certain areas

  • is it choppy and fragmented

  • does it rollercoaster around

  • does it flow

  • is it boring

  • is it too fast?

• Genre:

  • is there conformity to the genre selected

  • does it meet all requirements for the genre selected

  • is the genre clearly recognized

  • is it a cross-over and should it be

• POV:

  • is it consistent

  • is it properly defined

  • is it the best choice

  • is it filled with head-hopping, false directions, or not correctly appointed

  • what's it written in first, second, or third person

    • Is this done correctly

• Organization: 

  • are the chapters in a correct and meaningful order

    • is there continuity to them

    • do they flow right

    • does every chapter contain what it should

• Content:

  • is it well-explained

  • is there fluff, filler, and redundant material

  • is each concept supported with enough evidence

    • is it unique

    • is it interesting

    • Is it boring

  • does the writing wander

    • with too many tangents

    • or inappropriate tangents

  • is there a clearly defined and compelling selling point

  • is the content to headings and sub-headings ratio relevant

    • does it match

    • is it explanatory

• Audience:

  • to whom is the material directed

  • is the readership defined

  • are word choice and subject matter appropriate for its readership

  • is the language chosen engaging and compelling

• Purpose:

  • are the written materials meeting expectations

  • is it serving its intended purpose

  • is it entertaining or educating

  • does it answer its own question

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1. Level One notes major issues with the manuscript as a whole and in a generalized fashion, it will not deal with all issues.

2. There could remain issues on the chapter, paragraph, and sentence level that still need to be addressed.

3. And there is the possibility that the fixes were not done completely correctly. If this is the case, Level Two is offered as another choice.

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Level Two

• Everything in Level One is addressed in Level Two, but comments and changes are made directly to the text.

• Problems are noted with possible solutions to fix them.

Plus:

​FICTION:

• making notations/comments directly to the text as plot, character, setting, pacing, and POV issues are found

• checking the levels of narrative distancing at any point

• a balance between showing and telling

• is info dumping present

• will the reader learn information as it unfolds

• changes made as organizational or content issues arise

• transitioning between ideas presented and done correctly and flowing naturally

• checking the number of sub-headings for overuse and underuse

  • do they match the text included below them?

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REWRITING/BOOK DOCTORING

• creating new material based on content supplied by the writer

• researching

• writing original material

• fact checking

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WEB EDITING

• Editing and updating content on business web pages, including:

  • text

  • keeping text updated to reflect changes​

  • reorganizing to keep text fresh, interesting

  • checking for typos, omissions, grammar, and spelling mistakes

  • checking for copyright issues

  • web copy

  • images

  • links

  • ensuring they direct customers to the right places​

  • that they work

  • accuracy

  • headings

  • updating information making it current

  • accessibility issues 

  • checking multiple platforms for conformity, and consistency according to branding

  • use of a content management system

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OTHER EDITING SKILLS

• Acquisitions Editing

  • Evaluating proposals or manuscripts matching the publisher's mandate, guidelines, and other titles
  • Evaluating proposals or manuscripts for their commercial potential including:
    • assessing the quality, originality, and written expression​
    • estimating editing required
    • pitching to the publisher/editorial committee
    • growing relationships with other agents
    • liaising with writers
    • focusing and researching underserved topics, unrealized authors, themes, or trends
    • soliciting manuscripts
    • identifying promising writers

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AT THIS TIME, WE DO NOT OFFER THIS SERVICE​

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• Comparative Editing

  • Translating work​

  • Fluency in both the source language and target language

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AT THIS TIME, WE DO NOT OFFER THIS SERVICE​

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