tip top editing services

Offering three types of editing: Line-by-Line, Copy Editing, and Proofreading.

It’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.
-Andrew Jackson

Editing takes many forms.

Have a look on the right in the dropdowns.

I do not at this time do a fourth type of editing called Developmental, the one where you bring me the idea and I work it up with you from concept to finished idea. Nor do I at this time offer Manuscript Evaluation (although you do get a lot of feedback of the sort when I copyedit because I can’t hold back if I see some things that I think will help).

Copyediting (or copy editing, both spellings are correct) is your best bet. I tend to do a lot of proofreading along the way.

And a second copy edit is included in the original price (unless you hand me back new chapters or substantially rewritten chapters; that’s just like starting from square one for me and incurs a *tip*, if you get my meaning).

Also, if you have me format your book, I tend to proofread at the same time, so you get a twofer there too.

The lines in editing are rather blurred, as you have probably read elsewhere. And every editor is a unique person like you are. Find the person who is a good fit for the price, and you will have a tip-top manuscript to submit.

LINE BY LINE EDITING

  • Sometimes called Stylistic editing
  • Clarify meaning
  • Eliminate jargon and clichés
  • Polish your distinct style
  • Make sure your message is impactful and written for your genre
  • Adjust tone and formality of language
  • Adjust syntax for better flow
  • Analyze dialogue and check for “showing vs. telling”

COPY EDITING

  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Check front and back matter for errors
  • Ensure consistency of style
  • Fact-check
  • Adjust the placement of illustrations or photos
  • Spot incongruent dates and other time issues
  • The focus is on readability and flow
  • Rework sentences and paragraphs for clarity

PROOFREADING

  • This is the final check
  • Other forms of editing are complete
  • It can include grammar, but that should have been covered at the copyediting stage
  • It can include other elements of a copy edit, however, that should have been completed earlier
  • Its main purpose is to check for anything that hasn’t been caught:
  • Design elements like headers, page numbers, indentation
  • Checks page or line breaks, TOC, index, captions and photo layout
  • Typos or poor hyphenations that have occurred in the process of formatting or editing
Text me a line or email me. Let’s see if we’re a good fit. 
Contact Kate