EDITORIAL SERVICES
Editing is the process of correcting and improving your writing to better facilitate communication. Whatever you are writing, your words are your tools. I can help you use them to create work that is clear, consistent, and effectual.
I offer bespoke editorial services for authors, academics, organisations, publishing houses, or any other worker-with-words. This ranges from basic proofing to in-depth structural critiques that may involve substantial re-writes.
I have extensive experience in editing manuscripts, articles, digital media, website copy, corporate reports and communiqués, autobiographical and biographical manuscripts, and a range of other predominantly non-fiction texts.
My goal is to ensure your writing is fit for purpose: clear, well structured, and tailored to your reader.
ACADEMIC EDITING
I have extensive experience in academic editing and have worked on a number of seminal texts produced by reputable publishing houses such as Oxford University Press, Taylor & Francis, and Cambridge University Press. I work predominantly within the humanities and social sciences and can offer in-depth critique and developmental assistance within these fields, with particular expertise in politics, development, gender, history, and African studies. I otherwise offer proofreading and copy-editing services on all subjects.
CORPORATE EDITING
I offer editorial assistance for corporate and commercial clients. This includes content-editing, copy-editing, and proofreading services for both on-going and ad-hoc written projects. Given the breadth and depth of sector requirements, this work is naturally wide-ranging but encompasses proofing and improving publicity materials, reports, periodicals, research materials, newsletters, magazines, website copy and blogs, memos, and any other corporate documentation or copy. For certain clients I can also offer copy-writing and editorial management services for ongoing or long-term projects.
EDITORIAL SERVICES EXPLAINED
For clients unfamiliar with editorial practices and differentiation – particularly if you're new to writing or are looking to self-publish – the process can seem confusing. For this reason I have outlined the main forms of editorial assistance that I provide below.
PROOFREADING
Proofreading is the lightest form of editorial work. It is what you require if everything else – your content, structure, flow, and so on – is good to go. A proofread will check for minor errors and inconsistencies such as typos, spelling mistakes, and punctuation. If appropriate, it extends into ensuring the format of your work is ready for publication, for example by ensuring that page numbers and cross references are correct. Any work that requires proofreading is assumed to be in its final form and as such no substantial editorial amendments or suggestions will be made (though any obvious blunders or oversights will of course be flagged).
COPY-EDITING
Copy-editing is a far more involved editorial process. It includes all proofreading tasks but extends into amending your grammar, language, and structure in order to improve the readability and consistency of your text. Although still a predominantly technical form of text-correction, it includes some light re-wording or suggestions for improvement. A comprehensive copy-edit will usually involve the following:
Correct typos, spelling mistakes, punctuation
Check and amend grammar and syntax
Localisation (UK or US English and appropriate vocabulary)
Ensure conformity to house style (or, if you don’t have one, ensures consistency of spelling, numbers, hyphenation, capitalisation, format, and so on)
Check for and amend repetitive language, jargon, and contentious terminology
Flag any unclear or confusing sentences (suggestions for improvement will be made if possible and appropriate)
Basic fact-checking (though please note this is not exhaustive and remains the author’s responsibility)
Checking citations/footnotes/endnotes, and ensuring links are correct and appropriate
Flagging or amending any other minor structural issues (such as paragraph and sub-heading placement)
LINE-EDITING
Line-editing is the most substantive form of text editing. It is, generally speaking, a more heavy-handed and nuanced approach to editing and includes addressing elements of style and flow. Although many of the technical elements included in a copy-edit are still amended, there is considerable focus on the design and efficacy of your writing to ensure you are communicating succinctly and appropriately with your target audience. A line-edit therefore includes suggestions for cutting, re-structuring, and/or re-writing elements of your text. It is particularly useful for self-publishers, non-native English speakers, and those with additional needs such as dyslexia. At its most extreme, line-editing can veer into the territory of ghost-writing.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
Developmental editing is a less clearly defined type of editorial service that is appropriate if you are still in the process of writing, or have an early draft, and need a fresh and critical take on your next steps. It is a form of writing support to assist with more substantial and structural issues, such as advising on the progression of your argument, suggesting revisions, and/or identifying areas of improvement. Recommendations are made to help you fully develop your ideas while ensuring your target audience is tailored to. Copy-editing and proofreading are not part of this process.
Nota Bene: It's important to bear in mind that the distinction between each type of editorial approach is somewhat fluid, because it is rare for any piece of writing to neatly conform to editorial definitions. In practice, therefore, any editorial work I undertake for you will likely employ a combination of these services, as befitting your needs.
PRICING
The cost of my editorial services varies on the type of copy you have and the level of editorial detail you require. I will always ensure a clear and fair pricing plan is in place before undertaking any work for you. This may be a flat fee, pricing per word or per page, or an hourly rate. Please do get in touch so we can discuss your project and what rate is appropriate for you.