Services
Below you will find a list of services I offer.†In the past ten years I have worked as an editor for a major insurance company, an office manager (writing and editing) for a small ministry office, and a proofreader for a fiction publisher. After I had my son, I decided to still do what I love in a freelance mode. I enjoy feeling Godís pleasure when I edit! Once you review these services, please contact me for a free price estimate. I will also provide a free sample edit if you desire. I look forward to hearing from you! References are available upon request.
In all of these services, I will propose changes for you to make,†and you†may need to make†some changes yourself. I can use the Track Changes feature in Word if you desire. You reserve the right to accept or reject any change; however, I use the industry-standard resources in my editing. These include Websterís Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition, The Chicago Manual of Style 15th Edition, and, where appropriate, A Christian Writerís Manual of Style.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Proofreading
This is the most basic form of editing and should be done after all other editing is completed and just before sending the manuscript to a publisher. According to the publication industryís standard references, I check for:
- Typographical errors
- Spelling/word usage
- Grammatical problems
- Punctuation mistakes
- Formatting problems
- References to illustrations, tables, and figures within the text
Critiquing/Review
I will read your manuscript and then give you an overall review of your book, noting your strengths and weaknesses. I will also:
- Evaluate the order of text and recommend ways to reorganize paragraphs, sections, or chapters
- Identify gaps in content
- Suggest or provide clearer explanations, anecdotes, analogies, or illustrations
- Propose additions or deletions of headings
- Evaluate the tone of the manuscript based on the intended audience
Please keep in mind that this does not give detailed advice and that it is my own opinion.
Copyediting
This is the most in-depth form of editing. Among other areas, I watch for:
- Pronoun/antecedent agreement
- Verbs that do not match their subjects
- Clichés and jargon
- Dangling modifiers
- Repetitive or superfluous words
- Run-on sentences and paragraphs
- Use of passive voice
- Properly quoted and cited sources