For Authors & Publishers
So you've finished your book? Congratulations!
Maybe you plan to self-publish, or maybe you are going to submit your manuscript to literary agents and publishing houses. In both cases, it is absolutely vital that your manuscript is in top condition, ready to be enjoyed by the reading public or the busy acquisitions editor.
Throughout the process, I will always respect your creativity and your voice. Your authorial voice is a badge of identity that is stamped on every sentence. I will immerse myself in the sound and feel of your unique voice, so that when I make suggestions they are as authentic to your text as possible. It is never, ever, about changing your voice or imposing myself onto your work.
I work using Microsoft Word's Track Changes and commenting tools, which means that you are always in control and can choose whether to accept or reject my changes and suggestions. It is, and always will be, your story.
Maybe you plan to self-publish, or maybe you are going to submit your manuscript to literary agents and publishing houses. In both cases, it is absolutely vital that your manuscript is in top condition, ready to be enjoyed by the reading public or the busy acquisitions editor.
Throughout the process, I will always respect your creativity and your voice. Your authorial voice is a badge of identity that is stamped on every sentence. I will immerse myself in the sound and feel of your unique voice, so that when I make suggestions they are as authentic to your text as possible. It is never, ever, about changing your voice or imposing myself onto your work.
I work using Microsoft Word's Track Changes and commenting tools, which means that you are always in control and can choose whether to accept or reject my changes and suggestions. It is, and always will be, your story.
My copy-editing for authors service includes:
I am happy to take on all types of material, in any genre, either fiction or non-fiction.
- Correction of grammar, punctuation and spelling where appropriate (this is not always the case in fiction!)
- Checking that character traits, locations, timelines and plot points are all consistent and logical.
- Flagging up and suggesting solutions for awkward word choices and clunky sentences that hamper the readability and flow of the text.
- Suggesting ways to resolve repetitions and slow-moving blocks of text, and making sure your writing is tight and concise.
- Checking that prologues and paragraph and/or section breaks are used logically and to the best possible effect.
- Highlighting possible factual errors.
- Flagging where you might need to obtain permission to use copyrighted material.
- Querying where the meaning is not clear - if I don't understand something, it is likely that at least some of your target audience won't either.
- If requested, I will apply Word's Styles to your manuscript, which will save time (and money) if you are going to hire a professional to layout your text ready for printing.
- You will receive a style sheet and a short 'debrief' along with your edited manuscript. Style sheets document all the decisions made in the name of consistency - such as the treatment of numbers, hyphenated words, use of italics and so on. The debrief will summarise the main themes of my comments and suggestions, and my general impression of your work.
I am happy to take on all types of material, in any genre, either fiction or non-fiction.
Calling all publishers!
I can copy-edit and proofread on hard copy, MS Word or PDF. I am proficient in the standard UK BSI proofreading symbols.
I can work to deadline and to the publishing world's tight budgets. Get in touch today if you need a new friendly, professional freelancer!
I can copy-edit and proofread on hard copy, MS Word or PDF. I am proficient in the standard UK BSI proofreading symbols.
I can work to deadline and to the publishing world's tight budgets. Get in touch today if you need a new friendly, professional freelancer!