Editorial Services
Currently, the editorial services Marinda offers include book copyediting and proofreading. Please read on to learn more about the different stages of editing and to figure out which type of service your project needs.
Stages of Editing Overview
Developmental editing
Also called structural or substantive editing. A thorough and in-depth edit of the entire manuscript. Looks at all parts of writing, from phrasing to overall structure and style. Addresses plot, characterization, pacing, and big-picture issues.
Line editing
Sometimes combined with developmental editing or copyediting. Looks at the use of language and makes tweaks improve the readability and creative voice of a manuscript. Addresses issues like stilted dialogue, tonal inconsistencies, and run-on sentences.
Copyediting
Sharpens accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and eliminates redundancies. Ensures consistency of style through smaller details such as hyphenation and capitalization. Applies fact-checking where necessary.
Proofreading
Final stage in the editing process. Makes sure your files are free from spelling mistakes, grammar errors, missing punctuation, and other issues that could be distracting to a reader. Often includes checking for formatting and design mistakes.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the last major stage of the editing process before publication. This service should be reserved for projects that are near completion and just need a final pair (or two) of eyes to ensure no errors from prior stages of editing or typesetting have slipped through.
Proofreading includes:
- Scanning for typos missed (or made worse!) by spellcheck
- Adjusting inconsistencies in style, layout, and format for typeset material
- Fixing errors in punctuation
- Flagging incorrect use of regional English (e.g., Britishisms in otherwise American English copy)
- Checking for anything that might have been missed by the copyeditor or typesetter
Proofreading does NOT include:
- Rewriting
- Tweaking big-picture or developmental-stage elements (e.g., characterization, plot, structure)
- Drafting
- Sentence-level editing
- Style sheet creation
- Document formatting
Copyediting
Copyediting happens before proofreading and after developmental and line editing. The scope of copyediting extends beyond grammar and spelling, ensuring that every element of a story is consistent, cohesive, complete, and clear.
Copyediting includes:
- Proofreading (looking for errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation) with an added expertise in ensuring style consistency appropriate to the particular project
- Checking technical consistency in spelling, capitalization, font usage, numerals, hyphenation
- Light fact-checking (e.g., incorrect statements, drug names, species names, regions, song titles, etc.)
- Flagging potential legal liabilities
- Querying inconsistency within the story (e.g., character description, plot points, setting, etc.)
- Style sheet creation
Copyediting does NOT include:
- Extensive rewriting
- Tweaking big-picture or developmental-stage elements (e.g., characterization, plot, structure)
- Drafting
- Reviewing typeset or designed files (this is best left to a proofreader)
- Manuscript evaluation or assessment