Q: What is the difference between PROOFREADING and COPY EDITING? What other types of editing do you provide?
A: To copy edit is to improve the writing in a document to bring it up to a publishable standard BEFORE it goes to a proofreader and/or printer. Copy editing requires knowledge and skill in the areas of grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax and word usage and the ability to preserve the writer’s original meaning and authentic “voice”.
Sometimes a structural edit is needed BEFORE a document can go to the copy editor. To do a structural edit is to help the writer decide what to leave in, what to take out and what order to put the material in.
To proofread is to check for last-minute mistakes AFTER a document has been edited and BEFORE it goes to print. A proofreader is not concerned with improving the writing. The proofreader’s job is to compare the final version of the document with the edited one to ensure no errors were introduced during the revision process. The proofreader makes one last check for any inconsistencies, omissions, typos or formatting errors.
Q: Will you take another look at my document once I have saved the post-edit changes and addressed any outstanding issues?
A: After we edit your material, we will email it back for you to approve changes and consider any suggestions we made that require your input. Your copy editing fee includes one half-hour phone consultation with the editor to go over any questions. We would be pleased to provide you with a new quote if you want us to review new versions of your edited document.
Q: What software and format should my document be saved in before I send it to you?
A: We prefer documents saved in Word because we use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature to edit. Manuscripts should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins, and in a 10- or 12-point font size.
Q: Do you recommend anyone who can create an index for my book?
A: While we can’t personally recommend anyone, the word on the street suggests Joan E. Templeton is worth considering as an indexer.
Q: Which Print-on-Demand company do you recommend?
A: While we can’t personally recommend any particular company, our research suggests Lulu.com is a good place to start. Go to our Self-Publishing Tips page for other sites to explore.
