Developmental editing
I mainly offer this service to book authors. It's not essential for everyone, but it can be very helpful for some – saving time and stress in the long run and potentially creating a stronger book.
We work together to:
examine and refine what you are hoping to achieve with your book's overall premise and direction
identify the central arguments and assess whether they are playing to their full strength
consider areas that can be significantly cut or shortened
ascertain the ordering of your discussion and whether it supports your intentions in the best possible way
monitor tone and delivery to ensure it is consistent and professional.
To some extent, subject to prior-agreement, I can offer brief reflections on all of these things during a copyedit, but the developmental edit offers a deep dive where we can really work on the big picture and make sure your book flies swift and straight.
Copyediting
This is the step before proofreading. A few of the things it considers are:
spelling, punctuation and grammar
stylistic consistency
sentence and paragraph flow
presentation of ideas in clear, logical and consistent forms
areas where a gentle rewrite might enhance message and impact
basic potential legal issues
suitability of language for the target audience
setting text into different Word styles to ensure consistency.
By its nature, this type of copyediting incorporates what's sometimes referred to as line editing.
I stay sensitive to each writer's voice and message and will work closely with you to preserve and enhance your unique style, while also ensuring your message is conveyed in a way that is smooth, easy to understand and professional. Unless you instruct me otherwise, you remain in full control and make the final decisions.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final quality check before something is published. It is purely intended to catch the little mistakes that have 'slipped through the net' or been introduced during the layout of a book.
It is a very useful process, but it does not highlight more significant issues which are likely to be present if the text has not been copyedited. Due to an understandable misperception of this role, it is common for people to think they need proofreading when really they need a copyedit.
Proofediting
This term is gaining in popularity as publishing methods diversify. It combines proofreading and copyediting to catch the small things while also working on the more complex issues discussed in the copyediting section. It can work well for a writer who is operating outside traditional publishing circles and on a tight budget – or for shorter forms of writing, such as adverts, blogs or social media posts.