Services

We make your life easier

It takes time to produce an effective publication. Editors are trained to make the publishing process easier and to accurately convey your message. If your words are unclear, your readers may be confused. We will:

Substantive editing

This type of editing involves working line by line to revise any or all aspects of the text to improve its presentation. We help you get the text into its final form by reordering or rewriting segments to improve readability, clarity, or accuracy. We look closely at the writing style and consider word choice, syntax, tone, and voice. We may rewrite tangled sentences or suggest alternative wording. This could involve one or more rounds. 

Substantive editing comes before copyediting, or it can be combined with copyediting.

This is also sometimes called line editing, macroediting, stylistic editing, or content editing. 

Copyediting

We work with your text when it is in final or nearly final form. We read each sentence carefully, seeking to fix all errors of spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and word usage while preserving your meaning and voice. We ensure that your text adheres to an editorial style. We also check elements such as captions, tables, figures, photos, maps, citations, references, and footnotes.

"Copy" is another word for text that is to be published. 

Proofreading

We usually proofread a project after design is complete and any visual elements have been added. We correct errors that may have been overlooked during copyediting or introduced during the review stage or design process. We can also cross-check the text to ensure that earlier changes were made correctly, and we can check design elements such as heading and typeface styles, page numbers, and spacing.

Proofreading is the final quality step after copyediting and layout. 

Many people use the word "proofreading" to mean general checking of a piece of writing, but in the traditional publishing workflow, proofreading is one stage at the end of the editing process.

Do you offer developmental editing or coaching services?

We do not offer these services, which usually happen early on in the writing process to help authors develop their project from an initial concept or draft. 

If you need these services, we're happy to refer you to other people who can help.

Do you offer writing services?

We sometimes offer writing services, usually in partnership with skilled writers as part of a larger project that includes editing and writing. 

All of our writing partners belong to Mightier, a collective of woman-owned businesses that collaborate to promote the social good. 

What service do I need?

If you're not sure what type of editing you need, please reach out. We can start with a conversation to help determine the best type of edit for you. We can also review the document to determine what level we recommend. We will customize our editing approach to suit your needs. 

See our FAQ page for more information about how we work.

We also know other editors and writers who may be a better fit for your project or have more availability if our schedule is full. Please let us know if you are looking for recommendations.