Editing...
Editing is the step to take after completing your manuscript. It is the feedback an author may expect from an agent or publisher. Remember, all edits will lead to some level of rewriting - sometimes only minor alterations will be needed and sometimes we may recommend more intense changes. Also, an edit is not a proof-read, and you will still need to have your work proof-read after you have made your alterations. The editor will remove any errors he or she has found, but through the rewriting process, new errors may be introduced and these will need to be checked as well.
What format do we want your document in?
For speed and ease for you and us, our preference is that you email us an electronic copy that we can track the changes in and email back to you.
However, if you prefer, we can work with a hard copy document that you can courier or mail to us. We will clearly mark any changes and deliver your copy back to you at no extra charge. We will include a separate list of detailed suggested changes.
We can also edit your website copy and provide a Word document or Excel spreadsheet detailing suggested changes.
What does the editor do?
The editor will read your book and assess the following:
Structure:
The editor will assess the way the manuscript is written. For fiction, they will look at the narrative tension, showing not telling, the story's pace. For non-fiction, the editor examines your argument, ensuring you have explained your premise and that the potential for misunderstanding is minimised. This process also entails a line-by-line assessment, looking at sentence structure, punctuation of dialogue and making sure your sentences 'make sense'.
Flow:
When assessing 'flow', the editor will ensure the manuscript fits into its genre. They will also look for plot problems, check for facts, and ensure the reader can easily follow the plot. The editor will also ensure continuity with descriptives, for example, ensuring the main character's eyes stay the same colour throughout the story!
What doesn't the editor do?
The editor cannot guarantee that your completed manuscript will sell, or that your article will be published in a specific magazine, or even that your thesis will earn a good grade!
The editor will not check facts and figures in non-fiction texts. Editors are not subject experts and it is up to the author to ensure the facts are correct. However, the editor will highlight dates, facts and figures that need to be rechecked by you.
What format do we want your document in?
For speed and ease for you and us, our preference is that you email us an electronic copy that we can track the changes in and email back to you.
However, if you prefer, we can work with a hard copy document that you can courier or mail to us. We will clearly mark any changes and deliver your copy back to you at no extra charge. We will include a separate list of detailed suggested changes.
We can also edit your website copy and provide a Word document or Excel spreadsheet detailing suggested changes.
What does the editor do?
The editor will read your book and assess the following:
Structure:
The editor will assess the way the manuscript is written. For fiction, they will look at the narrative tension, showing not telling, the story's pace. For non-fiction, the editor examines your argument, ensuring you have explained your premise and that the potential for misunderstanding is minimised. This process also entails a line-by-line assessment, looking at sentence structure, punctuation of dialogue and making sure your sentences 'make sense'.
Flow:
When assessing 'flow', the editor will ensure the manuscript fits into its genre. They will also look for plot problems, check for facts, and ensure the reader can easily follow the plot. The editor will also ensure continuity with descriptives, for example, ensuring the main character's eyes stay the same colour throughout the story!
What doesn't the editor do?
The editor cannot guarantee that your completed manuscript will sell, or that your article will be published in a specific magazine, or even that your thesis will earn a good grade!
The editor will not check facts and figures in non-fiction texts. Editors are not subject experts and it is up to the author to ensure the facts are correct. However, the editor will highlight dates, facts and figures that need to be rechecked by you.