How I Work

Your writing is important to you, so you want your editor to give your project the time and attention needed to make it clear, concise, and effective. You can request a comprehensive package of services—including copyediting, formatting, and proofreading—or just one or two of these services if that's what you need.

This page describes my typical project workflow so you'll know what to expect. If you have any questions for me before starting this process, please feel free to contact me using the link to my contact form below, or via email or LinkedIn.

Preliminary Information

First, I'll ask you for some information about your project, such as length, subject matter, and audience, and your goals, timeline, and any other requirements you have.

I'll also need to know what file format your material is in. Copyediting usually requires DOCX files, as I work in Microsoft Word, but I can also copyedit PPTX files in PowerPoint. If your text has already been laid out for publication, I can proofread and mark up the changes needed directly in your PDF file.

Sample Edit & Proposal

Next, I'll look over your entire manuscript or other document and do a sample edit of a short section so you can see what kinds of changes and feedback you can expect from me, and so I can accurately estimate for you how long editing will take and how much it will cost. Then I'll send you the edited sample, instructions for what to do with the edited file, and a proposal that includes a detailed description of the proposed services, timeline, fees, and terms.

Deposit and Scheduling

After reviewing the sample edit and proposal, you'll have the opportunity to ask me any questions you have about them. I can adjust the proposed timeline or include additional services if needed. When you sign the proposal to indicate your acceptance of it and pay the specified deposit, I'll book time in my schedule for your project and confirm the proposed timeline.

Copyediting

At the copyediting stage, I'll make two passes through your text, making corrections using Word's Track Changes function and leaving comments to explain the reason for certain changes or to present you with multiple options.

Between the first and second copyediting passes, I may email you a list of questions to clarify your preferences for the handling of specific issues. After the second pass, you'll receive the edited file, a style sheet, and instructions.

The style sheet documents which resources were used to guide stylistic decisions and any intentional departures from those guidelines, and lists of specific names, terms, and abbreviations to show how they are styled.

Your instructions for what to do with the edited file will depend on the process that's most appropriate for your project. You may accept or reject each change to finalize the edited file yourself, or review the changes and comments then communicate your feedback to me so I can finalize the changes for you.

Formatting

While some very basic formatting can be included in the copyediting stage, the formatting work at this stage is much more comprehensive. I'll lay out the text and other elements appropriately for print and/or digital publication, add elements such as a title page, table of contents, page numbers, and running heads as appropriate, and produce PDF and/or EPUB files ready for proofreading.

Proofreading

After copyediting and formatting, proofreading is essential to ensure that your text and layout are as error free as possible before publication, submission, or presentation.

As a final step, you should also carefully review your files and let me know in a timely manner if you find any remaining issues to be resolved.

Final Payment and Deliverables

Your proposal will include a schedule for both deliverables and payments. After the initial deposit, the balance due for projects with multiple stages of editing may be broken up into payments which are due at the end of each stage, or the entire balance may be due at the end of the project.

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