What exactly is copyediting?
Copyediting (or copy editing) is one of the lines of defense between the author and the reader. A copyeditor looks at every sentence, word, and character with a critical eye and an artistic heart. We are focused on the 5 C’s: clarity, consistency, concision, coherence, and correctness–though I like to add creativity as well! I go through your manuscript very carefully to ensure everything you want to convey is said clearly, so the reader understands. I make sure all of your names, timeline, plot points, and finer details are consistent throughout the text. I eliminate extra words (what’s called deadwood) that make the text confusing, and I’ll do a light fact-check to make sure none of your readers get hung up on incorrect details.
Is every edit the same?
Every text and author is different, so every edit must be different. Some authors just want a light dusting, while others would prefer a deep clean. We can discuss what you would like or need, but the basics would be either a light, medium, or heavy edit.
What are the different levels of copyediting?
Light Edit: All editing starts with a mechanical edit, which focuses on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and everything that entails. I will then review and correct all indisputable errors in a very light fact-check. This is not heavy research or a deep-dive into your details, it’s simply me making sure your major dates, names, and locations of real events are accurate. I’ll correct inconsistencies (Do you have a side character named Rylee but sometimes it’s spelled Rylie?) and point out awkward and confusing language, but I will not rewrite, revise, or reorganize anything. I will also make sure your graphic elements are in order and your references, bibliography, or hyperlinks are correct, if you have those things.
Medium Edit: A medium edit includes everything a light edit does, but with some added bonuses. I will also check for logical balance and flow, suggest revisions for awkward or confusing passages, and edit for jargon, clichés, or biased language. There will also be some light formatting, such as with headers and subheads, chapter titles, or captions. These types of revisions help your reader to follow your text clearly and enjoy their reading experience.
Heavy Edit: A heavy edit, of course, includes a medium edit, but digs quite a bit deeper. I will revise or rearrange passages to improve readability and flow. I will check facts and ensure your style and tone is consistent and appropriate for your ideal audience. This type of edit can also include a line edit–which focuses on your prose to make your words sing–or a developmental edit–which looks at big-picture storytelling, such as plot, characters, and setting.
Can I get a custom editing package?
Absolutely! As I mentioned, every author and text is different, and I’m here to make you the best author you can be! We can have a discussion about your needs, concerns, and areas you believe need special attention, so that I can offer you exactly what you’re looking for. My goal is your goal: make readers love your words!
Do you just make any change you want?
Not at all! No matter what word processor you would like me to use (Microsoft Word or Google docs are the most common) I will track all of my changes so you can approve or reject them. I will also query you in the margin of your document for any big changes or questions I have, or to explain a change I’m making. If there is anything pressing or urgent, I’ll reach out to you directly. Your original file and revised file are safe with me, as I will keep a hard copy on a thumb drive and another copy in a Dropbox cloud–nothing will happen to your baby! I can be as in-touch with you as you like. If you would like updates every few days or at certain milestones, I’m happy to do that. If you don’t want to hear from me until everything is done, I can do that too!
What genres do you edit?
My heart lies in fiction, especially sci-fi, fantasy, suspense, and mystery (or any combination). I also love YA, kid’s literature, horror…any fiction you can think of, I can edit. In nonfiction, I’m happy to edit self-help books, memoirs, or light educational content. I do not offer services on technical or academic text. For web content, I stick with the lighter stuff as well: entertainment, travel, food, and animals! Blogs, magazine articles, and social media content all fall under the web category.
I also LOVE out-of-the-box projects! Comics and graphic novels, scripts for podcasts, YouTube videos, or video games, tabletop games…these are my jam! I would love to help you with any nerdy, weird, awesome project you’ve come up with!
Do you use a style guide?
Yes, absolutely! I use the Chicago Manual of Style, the leading style guide in this country for editors outside of journalism. It doesn’t always apply for a fiction manuscript, but where appropriate, I will apply its rules. I’ll follow the lead of your words, though, as some rules are best broken. If you have a house style you would like me to follow, I’m happy to do that too! Just be sure to give me a copy of it so I can refer to it as I edit. If you don’t know what a style guide is, that’s no problem, you don’t need to! Just think of it as a dictionary for grammar, punctuation, and formatting rules to keep everything nice and tidy.