Copyediting Services

FAQs

Copyediting comes after developmental and stylistic line editing, but is more thorough than proofreading. When copyediting, I complete all the standard checks involved in proofreading, but will also pay attention to the structure and wording of the piece of writing, ensuring that content is clear and reads well for its intended purpose.

Copyediting checks for non-fiction writing include:

Highlighting words, phrases or sentences that might need rephrasing for clarity and suggesting possible substitutions.
Ensuring that the structure of the document is as clear as possible, paying attention to paragraphing and signposting elements such as headings, notes and references.
Performing basic fact-checking to make sure the content is as accurate as possible.
Correcting or querying anything that seems to be an error, including misspelled names, misused words and inconsistent arguments.
If required, suggesting ways to reduce the length of a text and/or integrate new material most effectively.

Copyediting checks for fiction writing include:

Highlighting words, phrases or sentences that might need rephrasing for clarity and suggesting possible substitutions.
Ensuring that the structure of the document is as clear as possible, paying attention to paragraphing, especially around dialogue, and signposting elements such as chapter headings.
Correcting or querying anything that seems to be an error, including misspelled names and misused words.
Tracking the main plot threads, and noting any inconsistencies.
Correcting or querying any inconsistencies regarding descriptions of character or place.

These will be completed in addition to the following proofreading checks, which include:

Spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Consistency of formatting, layout and style (including headings, font size and type and spacing).
Ensuring words are used correctly and with the appropriate spelling (e.g. distinguishing ‘principal’ from ‘principle’).
For academic work, ensuring that referencing is formatted accurately and follows your preferred style guide.

I can work with both UK and US English, and can refer to your preferred style guide (including, but not limited to, MLA, MHRA, Chicago, and Guardian) or brand guidelines. If you do not have a preferred style guide, I will use my in-house style guide to ensure consistency.

In Word, I will use track changes and, where relevant, comments for clarification and context, or to offer suggestions and guidance. Upon completion, I will send you two documents, one with track changes included, and a second, ‘clean’, copy, with all track changes accepted.

I will also return an editorial style sheet, which will track style, format, spellings, character and place notes, and any other relevant features of the text observed during editing.

I do not use AI, which, aside from its various environmental and ethical issues, is neither as accurate or consistent as a human editor.

Interested in my services?

For a no obligation quotation, please inquire by emailing foxtales-editorial@outlook.com or messaging me via my contact form.

For longer documents, I offer a free sample edit of one to two pages, so that you can see how I work and whether I am a good fit for your project. This also allows me to give you an accurate quote.