Proofreading
Proofreading involves making sure the text is error free, usually once it's been laid out.
Copyediting
Copyediting, on the other hand, is the process of preparing a text for layout. It encompasses correcting all typos, grammatical and formatting errors, and awkward phrasing; ensuring clarity, consistency, and accuracy throughout the manuscript; and offering suggestions related to word choice and readability. For books, it includes cross-checking the table of contents against chapter titles, notes against citations, image callouts against the images themselves, and so on.
Substantive Editing
Some projects require heavier copyediting, or substantive editing. This is also known as structural editing or content editing. As these various names suggest, this level of edit digs into the substance of the content, including its structure, to make sure ideas are presented accurately, sensitively, and in a way that's readable and engaging.
Style Guide Development
Editing isn’t just about correcting typos and grammar; it’s about making choices. No matter what I’m editing, I create a style guide to keep track of decisions. I also create formal style guides for organizations. These documents set out all guidelines for writing, from capitalization and comma usage to the treatment of numbers and plurals. Having a style guide is key to creating a cohesive voice, which in turn is essential to institutional identity.
How I Work
I typically edit in Microsoft Word, using the Track Changes feature. I'm also very comfortable marking up PDFs. In all cases, I work within the author's or institution's specifications, adhering to the relevant style guide—or developing one, if necessary. My approach is collaborative and flexible. My objective, always, is to strengthen your manuscript while maintaining your vision and voice.
Proofreading involves making sure the text is error free, usually once it's been laid out.
Copyediting
Copyediting, on the other hand, is the process of preparing a text for layout. It encompasses correcting all typos, grammatical and formatting errors, and awkward phrasing; ensuring clarity, consistency, and accuracy throughout the manuscript; and offering suggestions related to word choice and readability. For books, it includes cross-checking the table of contents against chapter titles, notes against citations, image callouts against the images themselves, and so on.
Substantive Editing
Some projects require heavier copyediting, or substantive editing. This is also known as structural editing or content editing. As these various names suggest, this level of edit digs into the substance of the content, including its structure, to make sure ideas are presented accurately, sensitively, and in a way that's readable and engaging.
Style Guide Development
Editing isn’t just about correcting typos and grammar; it’s about making choices. No matter what I’m editing, I create a style guide to keep track of decisions. I also create formal style guides for organizations. These documents set out all guidelines for writing, from capitalization and comma usage to the treatment of numbers and plurals. Having a style guide is key to creating a cohesive voice, which in turn is essential to institutional identity.
How I Work
I typically edit in Microsoft Word, using the Track Changes feature. I'm also very comfortable marking up PDFs. In all cases, I work within the author's or institution's specifications, adhering to the relevant style guide—or developing one, if necessary. My approach is collaborative and flexible. My objective, always, is to strengthen your manuscript while maintaining your vision and voice.
