COPYEDITING - Full manuscript

What is copyediting?

Copyediting is a line-by-line analysis of your final manuscript draft. It comes after beta readers / developmental editing, but before proofreading.

What does it include?

A free 2,000-word sample edit, so that you can check that we're a great fit before committing to a full edit.
Looking at your regional spelling choice - do you use 'is' or 'iz' suffixes? Are they used consistently?
What's the primary narrative tense and the point-of-view structure? Are they consistent?
How do you style abbreviations and contractions?
Balance between active and passive voice.
How are chapter headings styled, and are they consistent?
Do you use hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes in the recommended ways?
How do you deal with interrupted dialogue?
Checking for redundant or overused dialogue tags and action beats.
Are numbers written out in full or numerical?
Are the paragraphs indented as per current conventions?
Do you use single or double quotation marks, and how do you deal with nested quotations?
Have you used straight, rather than curly, quotes?
How do you style unspoken thoughts?
How do you style time? Do you use a twelve or a twenty-four hour clock? Do you prefer A.M. or AM?
Are there any areas which may benefit from sensitivity readers?
Are there are potential issues with trademarks or copyright?
Fact-checking.
Spelling preferences.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation checking.
Suggested websites, further information and notes.
Proofreading - once the manuscript has been formatted.

The copyediting process

My standard copyediting package includes ONE round of editing. This means I will go through your manuscript twice before returning it to you to consider the changes and comments. All suggestions will be marked up using Track Changes, making it simple for you to accept, amend or decline as many as you wish. This is your manuscript, so you always retain the final say on any edits. Two weeks after you receive the manuscript back, I will contact you by email or Zoom, to discuss any areas requiring clarification. Occasionally, an author decides to rewrite a section and asks me to review it. I am happy to do so, although this will incur an additional charge and will be subject to my availability.

Do I need a finished manuscript?

Yes please. Copyediting is the last editing stage before formatting.

How long does it take?

This varies by word count and the amount of editing required. Typically, it is between four and six weeks.

What format should my manuscript be in?

All manuscripts need to be on Microsoft Word. This enables me to edit using Track Changes. I have found that this is the simplest way for me to mark the changes and comments, and for you to accept, decline or amend them. If you've not used Track Changes before, don't worry, it's straightforward and I can show you all you need to know.

When should I book my manuscript in?

As soon as possible. I have novels booked for months ahead. If you have a set date in mind, please book as early as possible. The 25% deposit will hold any date you want. If you are booked in but your writing gets pushed back (I get it, it happens!), I try to be as accommodating as possible and move your dates around. Equally, if a space becomes available, I will contact all my authors that are booked in for later dates, to see if anyone would like to move forward.

How much does it cost?

My copyediting package is currently £0.011 per word. This means:

60,000 words cost £660

70,000 words cost £770

80,000 words cost £880

Discounts are available for ALLi Members.

All new clients are required to pay 25% of the balance on booking (after the sample edit, and once contracts have been signed). The balance is then payable as either one payment on the completion of the editing, or over three interest-free instalments. Existing clients can pay in one payment or spread the full cost over three months.

Example (new client): 70,000 words. Deposit payable on booking: £192.50. Three monthly instalments: £192.50. Total payable: £770.00

(Existing client): 70,000 words. Two monthly payments: £256.67 + one payment of £256.66. Total payable: £770.00

I'm ready to book in, what shall I do?

Complete the enquiry form below, and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.

COPYEDITING - First 10,000 words

Copyediting can be prohibitively expensive, especially for new authors. I have developed this service in order to help you get an understanding of where you may be making errors, but without the expense of a full copyedit. So, how does it work?

I edit the first 10,000 words in exactly the same way as I would for a full copyedit. Your manuscript has the same checks, errors are marked up in Track Changes, and you still receive a style sheet. For this service, I also write a report, detailing the main errors and how to fix them. You can then use this, along with the style sheet, to make further changes to the rest of your manuscript.

This service is a set price of £200, which is payable in full on booking.

To book this service, just complete the enquiry form below.

PROOFREADING

Included with copyediting package or as a standalone service.

Looking for a final quality check of your manuscript? Look no further!

My proofreading service includes a thorough check for spelling, grammar, and minor inconsistencies, with a turnaround time of one week.

Please note that this service is only suitable for fully edited, typeset manuscripts. Manuscripts must be final author proofs, or ebook files.

COPYEDITING - Full manuscript

COPYEDITING - First 10,000 words

PROOFREADING

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