CURRENT AVAILABILITY

What is copyediting?

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

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What does it include?

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All of my copyedits include:

• A free 2000-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.

• Brief chapter summaries.

• Key locations.

• Main character mind maps.

• Spelling preferences.

• Spelling, grammar and punctuation checking.

• Suggested websites, further information and notes.

• Proofreading - once the manuscript has been formatted.

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Do I need a finished manuscript?

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

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How much does it cost and can I pay in instalments?

The cost depends on the word count. Please use the calculator below to work out the cost for your manuscript. All new clients are required to pay 50% on booking (after a free sample edit), with the balance payable once the editing is complete. Repeat clients pay the full amount on completion. I do offer payment plans on request.

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How long does it take?

This varies, but for a 60,000 word novel it typically takes around four weeks, with it returned to the author in the middle to look over the comments.

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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.

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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 50% 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.

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I'm ready to book in, what shall I do?The first stage is to book a free sample edit, which you can find at the bottom of this page. Please attach 2000 words – ideally from the middle of your manuscript, and it will be edited as if it were a full copyedit. This allows you to check that you are happy with my editing style before committing to a full copyedit. The current turnaround time for the sample edit is three working days.

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