Copy Editing

Imagine the feeling of holding your book in your hands, and your pride in knowing that it is exactly as you envisioned.

Good copy editing is an exacting process that focuses on the details and mechanics of written language. The Chicago Manual of Style points out that copy editing “requires attention to every word in a manuscript,” in a thorough review of structure, format, style, grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation.

Mechanical editing involves a review of every aspect of the book:

• Typographical errors
• Clarity, logic, and meaning
• Organization of the text
• Consistent style
• Heading structure, format, and flow
• Correct spelling and punctuation
• Attention to grammar, syntax, and usage
• Capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, and numbering
• Clear labeling of tables and illustrations
• Formatting footnotes, references, and citations
• Editing graphs and tables
• Marking up the copy for a typesetter
• Formatting copy to be published electronically or as an ebook
• Handling permissions

Editing may include preparing an electronic file according to the “house style” of a particular publisher, or the requirements of a specific medium. Currently, books submitted to Kindle, Nook, or iPad all require different formatting, as do pdfs and books submitted to conventional publishers.

Working with a good editor enables you to concentrate on your vision, rather than consuming your time with the nuts and bolts of publishing.

No one but you knows the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into your book – the late nights and the headaches. Now you’re wondering if you’ve missed anything.

Is it actually ready to send to the publisher?

Clearly you want your book to be the very best that it can be, a book you’ll be proud to put your name on.

Wouldn’t it be a shame to let all that work go to waste for lack of a good edit?

This is the time to hire a skilled editor.

Even if you’re self-publishing, your manuscript needs professional editing if you want your readers to take you seriously. Of course, you could release your book now and enter the brave new world of publishing. But imagine how it would feel if you find that your book is laced with typos or errors in grammar?

Publishers always bring in a copyeditor before going to press. No exceptions. This work is done by professionals, trained in the rules of grammar and the conventions of publishing.

That’s where we come in. We’ve edited and coauthored books published by Adams Media, Alpha/Penguin, Aspen Publishers, Bay Tree Publishing, Celestial Arts, Harper/Quill, Healing Arts, Hunter House, Jones & Bartlett, Lightening Source, McGraw-Hill, Mosby, New Harbinger, New World Library, and North Atlantic.

We’ll give you and your book the same careful attention we give authors with New York publishers.

Sometimes a book requires a more in-depth approach – this is considered substantive or developmental editing.

An in-depth edit involves a closer look at organization, meaning, style, or wording. Since this type of editing may include rewriting or reorganization, it’s always done before copy editing begins.

You want an editor who will work with you and your book with skill, sensitivity, and commitment. We believe in emphasizing the positive. Rather than criticism, we offer positive feedback that will help you identify your greatest strengths and your best work.

Deciding which approach is most ideal for your book…

You can opt-in above for a publishing guide that will help you decide where you are in the process and what you may need to complete your book. We’d also like to send you a quarterly newsletter on publishing, new media, book promotion, branding, and other current trends.