FAQs
Editing vs proofreading?
In the writing process, copyediting happens before proofreading. It's the stage where we work on refining things like flow, impact and style, and ensuring things are as consistent and error free as possible. Proofreading happens as virtually the final stage before publishing. The book will have already been designed and laid out, so it's a final check before it enters into the world. These terms (and a couple of others) are described in more detail here.
Copyediting vs line editing?
Some editors make a distinction between these two, but I don't. To be honest, I've heard various explanations for the differences, such as line editing concentrating more on flow and style and copyediting focussing more on the technical aspects, but I personally feel it just obfuscates the job. If I work with you, you will get both in one package.
How do I get the ball rolling?
In the first instance, please get in touch and let me know a bit about your subject material, approximately how many words, any deadlines you are working to and any other information that you think might be relevant.
From there, we can work out whether I can offer you the right skills, whether the time frame is achievable, what level of support is appropriate and if a free sample edit would be helpful.
What is a style guide?
If you already have a style guide, I'm happy to follow that. If you don't, and it's appropriate, I can work with you to create one based on your preferred writing style and the target readership.
A personalised style guide can be an extremely useful document for longer pieces of writing or for a format that is regularly published (like blogs, newsletters or social media posts). It supports you to maintain a consistent and professional approach to your writing and the general layout of your work. If your writing is going to be proofread as well, it makes the proofreader's job easier and quicker because they will have a set of parameters to work within. My default guides are the New Oxford Style Manual for British English and the Chicago Manual of Style for American English. These are well respected within the publishing industry.
Differences between varieties of English to one side, there are some standard rules in English, but there are many grey areas – or gray for the USA (and sometimes Canada). For example, should it be 'coordinate' or 'co-ordinate'? Or what about 'the king of France' or 'the King of France'? Or even 'copyedit' versus 'copy edit' and 'proofread' versus 'proof read'? And should I have used double quotation marks around those words? In short, they're all correct, and it comes down to such things as personal preference, how you plan to publish, your platform and your readership. (And don't get me started on whether there should have been a comma after 'platform'!)
I can advise on all of this and more, but the bottom line is inconsistent, poorly targeted writing will undermine your message and credibility. This BBC article explores the importance of spelling and grammar for online businesses, but I think the points can also be applied more generally.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes, I'm happy to have a free and no-obligation chat via phone, email or video call. This can help me to understand what motivates you and how I can best support your unique style and message. I realise that different people are looking for different things from the editing experience, so this exchange of ideas can be really helpful. Of course, it is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions and see that I'm just a human and really quite friendly!
What is the free sample edit?
Please click here for full details.
Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
Yes, I work with those who identify as being on the autism spectrum and will adapt my approach accordingly. This is something that is good to discuss in our initial communication, so I can offer you an experience that is as supportive as possible.
Is this whole thing going to feel like I'm back at school with a teacher wielding a red pen?
Don't, you're giving me bad memories too. I firmly believe that there is room for respect and understanding in every interaction (not just at work). Collaboration is key, and any suggestions I make are always just that. You have complete control from start to finish. No red pen, red type or red anything.
Why should I hire you when I can find someone online who offers similar services for a few pounds/euros/dollars an hour?
That's a fair enough question. You might get extremely lucky, but there are many people around the world offering editing services who lack any serious training and may not even be fluent in English. And even if they do speak perfect English, being 'good with words' just isn't enough. It's a great start, of course, but there is much more to editing and proofreading than meets the eye.
By hiring me, you're investing in someone who has years of journalistic experience and is a registered Professional Member of the UK's Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. I am bound by their code of conduct, and I strive for excellence in all my services, and (if you need it) I'll have your back right the way through the process.