Editing
You know good writing when you see it.
Effective writing does not come in the first draft. It comes after the shine and polish of the editing process. Here is where you can make sure your writing demonstrates the 3 Cs: clear, correct, concise. If you want it read, make it easy for them to read it.
Editing
(We use MS Word’s Track Changes feature so you can see all changes & comments / questions.)
We offer three levels of editing, as outlined below. Although all three should be applied to any manuscript, you can come to us at any stage of the editing process.
Proofread
2.7ȼ per word
(Recommended for all writing projects)
This is the last look at a text before it’s submitted or heads to production and distribution. It is a final check to make sure there are no errors in spelling, typography, grammar, formatting, and other details. It does not look for style or content issues.
If a text requires further editing in terms of language use (more common with non-native English speakers), this may be considered a language edit ($.036 per word) as opposed to a final proofread.
Light (copy) edit
3.6ȼ per word
(Especially useful for web copy, ad copy, product descriptions, social media posts, blogs, etc.)
This process addresses all language-related issues. The editor can follow a preferred style guide (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style) and/or dictionary to maintain consistency throughout the work (spelling, usage, etc.) or create a style sheet for your manuscript. The editor also addresses the following:
| Punctuation | Word usage |
| Spelling | Clarity/Syntax |
| Formatting | Adherence to standards |
| Consistency: style, spelling, word choice, etc. (based on style guide) | Basic fact-checking for accuracy, logic, etc. |
Heavy (line) edit
6.5ȼ per word
(Especially useful for longer copy, emails, articles, blogs, etc.)
This is a deep, line-by-line reading and edit of the manuscript or text/copy. The editor works through each word, sentence, paragraph, and so on to ensure everything works as efficiently and effectively as possible and that the message is clear. It includes all elements of the copy edit, as well as work on:
| Voice | Style (inconsistences, appropriateness, etc.) |
| Word choice | Word count (wordiness) |
| Awkward phrasing | Unclear or inconsistent scenarios, situations, characters, etc. |
| Point of view | Clarity and readability |
| Pace, flow, fluidity | Filler words |
| Redundancy & repetition | Gaps/inconsistencies (logical connections, information, etc.) |
| Show vs. tell | Assumptions, clichés, generalizations, etc. |
Developmental edit
$50 per hour
(Especially useful for books, articles, papers/essays, etc.)
A comprehensive edit that considers the manuscript as a whole package. In the initial feedback cycle, the editor reads through your manuscript to suggest revisions, additions, deletions, or areas to consider further to improve the overall quality of the manuscript. These revisions can include addressing missing information, further development of ideas to guide the reader, flagging of over-exposition, and other such notes. Author has final decision on all changes.
The editor may also suggest:
- changes to the work’s title based on market research or manuscript content
- structural changes, such as ordering of chapters, to highlight certain areas and/or improve the flow of the information
- the use of quotations/citations to support ideas, or the removal of such with paraphrasing options when these are better suited