SERVICES

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An editorial assessment is a close, critical reading of a manuscript that looks at main ideas and structure, as well as elements such as plot, pacing, characterization, and dialogue. 

Although similar to a developmental edit, an editorial assessment is less thorough and is therefore usually quicker and cheaper. It is carried out prior to a copyedit and gives the writer an objective overview of the strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript before the final editing stage(s). 

An editorial assessment can be useful for writers who may be unsure of their book's  intended audience, or who feel stuck in the revision process and want a little more direction on what to do next. 

As the name suggests, a partial editorial assessment is performed on a portion of the manuscript (usually around 50%), with the author providing an outline of the remaining chapters and any other relevant information, such as why they're stuck or what's giving them pause.

(Also known as structural  or substantive editing).

Developmental editing is often the first stage in the editing process, when a manuscript is assessed and shaped to improve its organization and content. It is often described as identifying ‘big picture’ issues such as plot holes or inconsistent character development. 

Developmental editing can include:

• determining suitability for the intended audience;
• reorganizing material to ensure coherent structure; 
• clarifying plot, character or thematic elements;
• recommending headings;
• identifying appropriate visuals and determining their placement;
• revising, reordering, deleting, or expanding material;
• ensuring accuracy, and identifying inadequate research, imbalanced content or lack of focus;
• identifying and reshaping material that would be better presented in a different way such as lists, diagrams, or revising print copy for web copy;
• identifying or securing appropriate supplementary and/or reference material such as glossaries, endnotes and/or links;
• determining whether permissions are required for third-party material.

Line editing (sometimes called stylistic editing) is the phase of editing that looks at the style and creative elements of the writing itself. It focuses on the way language is used and how efficiently it communicates to the reader. Although often thought to be the same as copyediting, there are distinct differences. A line edit should come before a copyedit, and where the latter deals with the mechanics of a sentence, a line edit is more focused on the writing itself. It is the stage of editing that is most attentive to the writer's individual voice and style. 

Line editing includes:

• tightening up sentence structure, dialogue and paragraphs;
• ensuring language is sharp and clear;
• paying attention to word choice and syntax;
• ensuring flow and logical progression;
• resolution of elements such as tonal and point-of-view shifts, redundancies, generalizations, run-on sentences, anachronisms, repetitions, digressions and inconsistencies, pacing, and transitions between chapters and scenes;
• noting unclear or confusing scenes

The four ‘Cs’ of copyediting are generally accepted to be clarity, coherence, consistency, and correctness - although this list is by no means exhaustive. For example, Editors Canada also includes accuracy and completeness in its description - and we shouldn’t forget that other very important ‘c’: communication.

 Copyediting can include:

• correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax;
• checking for consistency and continuity of ‘mechanics’ such as hyphenation, capitalization, treatment of numbers/numerals/quotations, initialisms, abbreviations and acronyms, use of italics and bold type, and facts including anachronisms, character names, and relationships;
• reviewing use and accuracy of lists, tables, figures;
• developing and using a style sheet (or using one provided) to ensure adherence to house/editorial style;
• correcting or querying general information that should be checked for accuracy e.g. historical facts or quotations;
• understanding issues related to other languages and ensuring consistency;

It can also include:

• converting measurements;
• providing or changing the system of citations;
• editing indexes;
• obtaining or listing permissions required for third-party material;
• checking front and back matter, and cover copy;
• checking web links.

Once the copyedit is complete, the manuscript is returned to the author for review. It is at this point that the editor’s job is complete – unless the author requests a manuscript cleanup. 

Manuscript cleanup involves the editor scanning each page or file to check for any post-editing changes made by the author, and for any query responses. 

It can be quick and straightforward or more complicated and challenging, depending on how much back and forth is involved before the author is satisfied with the end result.

A sample edit is a useful tool that can give both parties the opportunity to assess each other's work prior to 'signing on the dotted line'.

It also gives the editor an insight into the level of editing that may be required which can help when calculating project costs.

A test edit is performed on a (representative) sample of approximately one thousand words of the project in question.

(Note: line editing and/or copyediting only)

PROOFREADING 

Proofreading is examining material in its final layout to check for typographical or visual errors. Most suited for journals, magazines and other publications that are heavy on graphics and paragraph placement. 

It is a check of work that has already been edited, and includes:

• Ensuring the first proof contains all elements ready for layout e.g. paragraphs, visuals, captions, acknowledgements, etc.;
• Highlighting typographical and formatting errors;
• Checking consistency and accuracy of cross-references, running heads, captions, links, etc.;
• Checking end-of-line word divisions and flagging bad breaks for correction;
• Flagging deviations from style sheet.