What’s included in an edit?
Short, sweet answer: everything below.
Long-winded answer: I’ll check everything below (and more), using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and Comments features to address potential issues. (Here’s how to view the Tracked Changes, how to accept or reject each Tracked Change, and how to reply to Comments in a Word document.)
You, as the author, get to decide whether to accept or reject each suggested change.
Mechanics
✔️ Spelling
✔️ Punctuation
✔️ Hyphenation
✔️ Capitalization
✔️ Use of italics
✔️ Treatment of numbers
✔️ Dialogue mechanics
✔️ Consistency among headings, etc.
Fact-checking
✔️ Fact-checking includes verifying the spelling of anything “real” (such as the names of people, places, and businesses), verifying locations, and checking quotations and trademark concerns.
✔️ The degree of fact-checking depends on the level of the edit. (Basic fact-checking is always included.)
Language
✔️ Grammar
✔️ Usage
✔️ Diction
✔️ Flow
✔️ Patterns and variations
✔️ Authenticity (to ensure the language is accessible, accurate, respectful, and free of stereotypes)
Revisions
✔️ Any edits will be shown through MS Word’s Track Changes or addressed through the Comments feature.
✔️ The depth of revising relates to the editing level. Light edits will include fewer suggested changes, while medium or heavy edits may involve deeper revisions.
✔️ Final wording decisions remain yours.
Content
✔️ Consistency (in POV, tense, voice, etc.)
✔️ Rhythm and pacing
✔️ Repetition (of wording, phrases, ideas, and events, for example)
✔️ Dialogue (Is it believable? effective?)
✔️ Anything problematic that remains in the text (including lingering developmental issues)
Style sheet
✔️ A style sheet is included with all copyedits.
✔️ The sheet will contain such information as important names, relationships, locations, dates, spellings of certain words, style choices, and more.
✔️ Style sheets help ensure consistency and are a great reference!
What’s the process?
- Get in touch. I’d love to hear about your project!
- I’ll perform a free sample edit on your text (for instance, about 1,000 to 1,500 words for a full-length novel). I’ll use this sample to offer you a project estimate, including pricing and the anticipated time frame for completion.
- If you’re happy with my feedback, we’ll set up a plan for the edit. As I work, I’ll keep my changes transparent and update you as often as you’d like.
- Once I’m finished, I’ll return your edited text and address any remaining questions or concerns. Your writing will be well on its way to captivating readers!
Testimonials
What’s the cost?
I offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality, and because every project differs, rates are individually tailored. Please contact me regarding a free sample edit, so we can discuss some editing options.
Three Quills Editing
For when the details matter.