Developmental (Content) Editing:

I will focus on the structure of an entire project to ensure cohesion and organization throughout the project. In fiction, I will check for discrepancies in the plot, character, or dialogue; and whether the theme is developed correctly, or whether the subplots are well integrated into the storyline. This is the first step in the editing process.

What you get: You will receive a 1-2 page report outlining my suggested revisions. I may also make in-manuscript notes. I will also recommend resources to assist with repeated issues in the project.

Line Editing:

As the second step in the editing process, I will ensure grammatical correctness, accurate spelling, proper language usage, clarity, and overall consistency in style. I will also check for continuity, sentence structure, paragraph lengths, word choices, missed words, and the like. This is the most commonly requested service.

What you get: In-manuscript corrections and notes using Microsoft Word’s track changes feature (or similar), as well as a clean copy with all changes made. Depending on the project, I may also include a 1-2 page report and recommended resources.

Proofreading:

This is NOT editing. I will double check things like punctuation, word use (they’re vs. their), capitalization, spelling, and typographical errors. Basically, all the little things that can go wrong with a great manuscript. I will not check for content, style, plot or character discrepancies, etc. This is usually the final stage in the editing process or what some writers need after they have already gone through content, line, and copy editing.

What you get: In-manuscript corrections and notes using Microsoft Word’s track changes feature, as well as a clean copy with all changes made.