Editorial Services
While editors often talk about our work as though it can be categorized neatly as a set of distinct tasks (even when we can’t always agree about what to call them), I find it more helpful to think of the work as a continuum: while working on a copy-edit, I might also offer suggestions of a more substantive or structural nature; while working on a substantive edit, I’m likely to offer suggestions concerning style; while proofreading, I’ll make a few copy-editing suggestions, and so on.
As an editor, I also see myself as engaged in an ongoing collaboration involving the writer, designer, agent, publisher, and everyone else who takes on the work of bringing a book to life. I am happy to take on editorial projects at whatever level they need attention.
Substantive editing
Substantive editing involves editing a manuscript primarily at a structural level, with attention to organization and other overarching concerns (in a novel: plot, character, etc.). This is also known as Structural editing.
Stylistic, or Copy-editing
Stylistic/copy-editing is concerned with a manuscript’s prose style (eliminating jargon and repetition, smoothing sentences); editing grammar, spelling, punctuation; checking for consistency. This might also be described as Line editing.
Indexing
Indexing is creating an alphabetical index for a book, including references to names and places, subjects and themes.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the process of checking page proofs for errors and watching for consistency of layout style.
Manuscript evaluation
In a manuscript evaluation, the editor reads your manuscript and prepares a memo providing advice for next steps in the writing/rewriting process, including a discussion of avenues for publication. For more information about this service, please follow visit the Manuscript Evaluation page.