Copyediting focuses on your words at the sentence level rather than the story elements.
Copyediting is perfect for writers who:
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have put their manuscript through some form of a developmental edit (multiple beta readers, a manuscript assessment, or a professional developmental edit)
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have performed extensive self-edits and are confident in their story and characters​​
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During my copyediting passes, I check for:
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clarity
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coherency
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consistency
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correctness
In other words, I check spelling and grammar usage, ensure readability and flow, and maintain consistency within formatting, style, and the story itself. This type of editing corrects the mechanics of your writing while preserving your voice, style, and meaning.
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I create a custom style sheet for every project I work on, even when I've worked with an author multiple times. Style sheets record decisions on language choice and style, formatting style, and any exceptions to the project's chosen style guide and dictionary. They also include character and word lists, timeline breakdowns, and location identifiers. Style sheets are especially useful for multiple books in the same series or story universe.
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As a copyeditor, I understand when to let the rules relax. Your writing guides the rules. If your writing style contradicts a grammar "rule" and doesn't affect reader understanding, then I stet it—I simply let it be.
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I am not here to impose my writing style or preferences on you. I am here to help you achieve a manuscript you can be proud of.
I follow the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition, and the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary—both industry standards. If you have another style guide or preferred dictionary, please let me know.
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A note on error catch rates.
Pobody is nerfect.
That goes for editors, too.
The highest industry standard catch rate is 95%. Many factors contribute to this number: manuscript quality, number of passes, deadlines, and budgets.
Once the manuscript is out of the editor's hands, they have no more responsibility for new errors that might be introduced or errors an author chooses not to accept.
Often, "errors" can also be a matter of style. What one editor considers an error, another might stet.
The Process
1
Discovery
Reach out to start chatting about your project!
2
Sample Edit & Quote
I provide free sample edits so we can both make sure we are a good fit for each other. Your quote will be based on this sample edit and what I learned during discovery.
3
Contract
If you agree to my quote, we will both sign a contract. I will send you an invoice for your deposit to book you into my calendar.
4
Send Me Your Manuscript
You will send your full manuscript before your project start date.
5
Pass #1
I will edit your manuscript via Track Changes and begin compiling your custom style sheet.
6
Author Review
I will send your manuscript with recommended changes and queries, and a "clean" document showing all changes accepted. You will read through the manuscript, accept/reject changes, and respond to queries.
7
Pass #2
You will send me back the manuscript by our agreed-upon date. I will look it over to make sure no other errors were introduced and to make any necessary revisions based on your answers to my queries.
8
Final Payment
As I perform the second pass on your manuscript, I will send you an invoice for final payment.
9
Deliverables
I will send your final edited manuscript with changes shown, a "clean" version, and your custom style sheet. It's time to celebrate—you're almost there!
FAQ
What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Copyediting is sentence-level editing that checks for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. It also checks for and maintains consistency in the story and writing style.
Proofreading is a final check that no mechanical errors have remained after copyediting and that no other errors have been introduced during formatting and layout for publishing. Unlike copyediting, proofreading is not subjective and does not include making editorial decisions or rewriting any part of the manuscript.
How long does copyediting take?
This depends on the length of your manuscript and the level of editing required. I will discuss timelines and deadlines with you during the discovery process.
How much does copyediting cost?
This also depends on the length of your manuscript and the level of editing required.
My copyediting rate begins at $0.015 per word.
I do offer payment plans, and I try to work with authors when I can. Never feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing rates with me.
Will my manuscript be ready to publish?
No. Copyediting is not the final step before publishing. You still need a proofreader to go over your manuscript.
Can you proofread my manuscript after you copyedit?
Proofreading and copyediting are separate services.
While I don't recommend combining these services, I am open to performing a separate proofreading pass on manuscripts I've copyedited. Usually, I will try to schedule these passes with enough time in between for you to review the copyediting changes and for me to be able to come back to the manuscript with fresher eyes.