Copy Editing for Authors
A careful technical edit for grammar, punctuation, word usage and consistency once the story and prose are settled.
Is the manuscript correct and consistent?
Manuscripts that are structurally settled and need a careful technical pass.
WHAT WE LOOK AT- Grammar and sentence structure
- Punctuation and spelling
- Word usage and consistency
- Continuity and clarity
- Style and formatting consistency
- Copy-edited manuscript
- Comments where a choice needs explanation
- Manuscript style sheet
- Continuity and consistency notes
- Developmental or line editing
- Proofreading after major revisions
- Ghostwriting or rewriting
We start with what happened while we were reading.
Where did we lean in, hesitate, get confused or lose interest?
What scene, line, choice or piece of information caused that reaction?
Was it one rough spot, or does the same thing happen elsewhere?
We look past the symptom and consider the story, character, pacing or prose issue underneath it.
Which problem is worth tackling first, and which can wait?
You decide what stays and what changes. Our job is to give you a clear second opinion.
Known-scope work can be estimated. Diagnostic work is scoped to the question.
Where a published rate applies, the calculator gives an estimate. Where the work depends on diagnosis, scope is confirmed after we understand the manuscript and the question.
Make sure you are getting the kind of help you actually need.
If the manuscript is still changing, a reader may be more useful than an editor. If something feels wrong but you cannot find the cause, an assessment may be the better starting point. If the story is settled and the prose is the concern, line or copy editing may make more sense.
Compare all services →Other services that may fit.
Before you send the manuscript.
Who is Copy Editing for?+
Manuscripts that are structurally settled and need a careful technical pass.
What will I receive?+
Copy-edited manuscript, Comments where a choice needs explanation, Manuscript style sheet, Continuity and consistency notes.
What is not included?+
Developmental or line editing, Proofreading after major revisions, Ghostwriting or rewriting.
What if I am not sure this is the right service?+
You do not need to know the service name. Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We can help you work out what kind of help makes sense.
Want to see how we approach your pages?
Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We will help you work out what makes sense before you commit to a larger project.
Tell Us What's Not Working