what is editing?

You may think this question is simple, but the answer is not! Most people know that editing involves revising writing, but it’s not common knowledge that there are different types of editing. As a professional editor, I can perform a variety of editing services to meet your needs and goals for your writing. My services are based on the following definitions of types of editing:

Developmental/Structural editing

This is high-level editing that focuses on things such as organization and flow of an entire piece of writing. It can also include an assessment of the writing at early stages of the finished draft to identify ways that the document as a whole can be improved. I use both terms to describe my services. Manuscript assessment is another service that I provide that is a type of developmental editing.

Stylistic Editing

Stylistic editing involves making sentence-level edits to improve the clarity and flow of language throughout a piece of writing. It also includes ensuring that the voice and tone remain consistent throughout a document or manuscript. In my service packages, I combine stylistic editing with copy editing into a package I call content editing—however, I can also complete stylistic editing on its own upon request.

Copy editing

Copy editing is what most people think of when they think of editing. It includes fixing mechanical issues such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation. In my service packages, I combine copy editing with stylistic editing into a package I call content editing—however, I can also complete copy editing on its own upon request.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final stage of editing on a completed manuscript. Typically, proofreading is done once the document or manuscript has already been typeset and formatted. Sentence or word changes are not made during proofreading—during this service, I check for errors that may have been missed or introduced at earlier stages, and check for errors in formatting.

What are your prices?

Each piece of writing is unique. I don’t base my pricing on a set per word rate—instead, I offer a customized quote for each project that is based on the services required, the length of writing, and the complexity of edits. However, I know that having a ballpark of what price to expect is important for authors and clients who are working with a budget. With this in mind, I’ve provided some examples of average prices and timelines for common types of editing projects. You can view these examples here.

For a custom quote for your specific project needs, you can contact me for a free editing consultation.

I do offer discounts for booking multiple service packages, repeat customers, and registered non-profit organizations.

Do you offer a sample edit?

Yes! When you reach out to me, I provide a free sample edit of around 1,000 words of your project. This allows me to get a sense of the complexity of the required edits and to provide suggestions on what services I think would be a best fit for you. I take into account your needs and goals for your project, and when I return your sample edit, I’ll provide you with a number of service options at different price points.

Do you offer payment plans?

Hiring an editor for your work is an investment—an investment in you and your writing, and I’m always honoured to be a part of that! However, I understand that money may be tight for spending that isn’t related to the daily essentials of life. With that in mind, I’m always happy to develop a payment plan that works for you and your finances. I do require a deposit to book with me, but the remainder of the payment can be spread out over installments over a time frame that we agree upon.

What style guide do you use?

As a professional editor, I can adapt to any style guide you would like to use, whether it is a house style guide or one specified by your publisher. Style guides that I am most familiar with include:

• the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS 18)

• the American Medical Association (AMA)

• the American Psychological Association (APA)

• the Modern Language Association (MLA)