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Copyediting VS Proofreading

Many people have some confusion as to what a copyeditor actually does, how copyediting differs from proofreading, and why you can't just use a spell checker and be done with it. I hope to alleviate some of that confusion here.

In short, a copyeditor checks for errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling, as well as technical consistency (variations in spelling, capitalization, font usage, numerals, hyphenation, spacing), continuity and internal consistency, fact checking and potential liabilities, and adherence to a style guide (the publishing industry generally relies on The Chicago Manual of Style and, by extension, Merriam-Webster, but may have additional house guidelines). In short, things your spell checker just isn't equipped to identify properly, much less correct. A copyeditor is focused on the small details of your manuscript in the service of the overall narrative flow. This work differs from regular (content) editing, which is focused on the story itself and how language is used to shape and convey that, but without looking at the sentence- and paragraph-level construction in the same way.

 

Copyediting also differs from proofreading in that proofreading is the final step before publication, after both content editing and copyediting, in order to make sure the final product matches the proof before hitting the press. While proofreaders will also correct errors and inconsistencies, too many will generally cause the manuscript to be returned to a copyeditor to be cleaned up.

How I Work & What to Expect

I thoroughly read a manuscript to get a clear sense of style and voice (noting obvious corrections as I go), then again specifically for errors, and give multiple passes before I'm finished. When I run into obvious style choices, but where something feels off or clunky (whether or not it's grammatically correct), I note that with a comment and/or a question for the author. Edits are made to broadly conform to CMOS/MW  standards, but my intention is to remain true to an author's voice, rhythm, pacing, and general usage, and therefore I only make significant grammatical and punctuation corrections where meaning is obscured, an error is distracting, or to preserve regional consistency. Turnaround time varies, depending on the needs of the author and the individual work itself, as some manuscripts have numerous inconsistencies and errors, or require extensive fact checking, while others have relatively few or no need to check facts and quotations. Editing poetry is another thing altogether, as poetry often does not conform to standard grammar or academic expectations, but still must be vetted for internal consistency and any errors or typos corrected. 

 

Copyediting is not my only gig, so unless we've arranged otherwise, I do this work around my and my family's schedule. I will meet your needs and time frame, but if there's no rush and you are flexible, then typically I will get the work done for less than the going rate. Industry standard ranges from $30-$50 an hour with the expectation of copyediting approximately 5 pages an hour (250 words count as a page), depending on the particular needs of a specific manuscript. My fee begins at $35/hour for fiction and nonfiction (corporate rates are higher and poetry collections are a flat fee of $500) but I offer a discounted rate for flexibility in turnaround to keep a healthy life-work balance. In short, while I love my work, I love my kid more. For example, a 50,000 word manuscript breaks out to 200 pages and roughly 40 hours of work, give or take, and would come to about $1400. My turnaround would be between approximately 10-14 business days. If you are flexible on timing and comfortable with a turnaround of 3-4 weeks, then I'd knock 20% off that fee. I am open to discussing an arrangement that works for both of us and can always take a look at a representative sample of your manuscript to get a clearer picture and thus a more accurate quote for you. 

I work directly on a Word document using the Track Changes and Comments functions, as opposed to working by hand on paper. Track Changes clearly shows everything that's been inserted (in red), deleted or moved (in a balloon in the margin), along with any comments or questions (also in balloons), and all changes can be reviewed in the sidebar. Working electronically saves time, paper, and postage, reduces the introduction of unintended errors when updating your manuscript with my edits, and allows you to accept or reject any correction or suggestion in real time while comparing changes to the original. If your preference is to work by hand on paper and you are familiar with traditional proofreader's marks, I can do that as well, but ask that you provide me with a paper copy of the manuscript, along with an appropriately sized envelope, and prepaid return postage before I begin. That said, it really is a huge waste of paper to do it this way and not my preference. Save the paper for the book itself.

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