Q. Why do I need a copy editor or proofreader?
A. Concise, accurate documents, either on paper or online, enhance the credibility of a business, organization, or writer. Even with spelling and grammar check software, errors can be missed. For example, a word may be correctly spelled but incorrectly used (their/there, its/it’s, which/witch, etc.) and software will not find those errors; it takes close reading by a skilled copy editor or proofreader. In addition to the common grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, Web sites can pose a particular problem with errors such as links that don’t work. It is easy for even the best writer or Web designer to miss or overlook mistakes. A skilled copy editor or proofreader can objectively review your Web site, manuscript, brochures, magazine articles, and other materials and find and correct the errors you may have missed.
Q. What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
A. Copyediting is a careful reading of a written document to find and correct errors in grammar, syntax, usage, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. When applicable, endnotes are checked to verify that they correspond to text references, awkward wording is rewritten, fact checking is done to verify information, tables are checked for accuracy, items listed in bibliographies and Web site URLs are checked. The document will also be corrected to “house style” when necessary. Typically, I do copyediting electronically using Microsoft Word track changes and comments so the author can compare the original work with the copyedited work and make the final decision to accept or decline suggested changes and corrections. Proofreading is the final review of a written document to find mistakes such as dropped text or typos before it goes to the printer. I work on hard copy “proofs” that have been typeset and should need little correcting. I look for anything the copy editor may have missed or suggested corrections that were not made, double check page numbering, and verify that photos and cutlines correspond. When proofreading I do not rewrite copy or make extensive changes to the finished document.
Q. Why do you charge more for copyediting than proofreading?
A. Copyediting is much more demanding than proofreading. It requires more time and expertise in all areas, including strong writing skills. However, proofreading projects I undertake benefit from my expertise as a copy editor.
Q. How do I determine whether my project needs copyediting or proofreading?
A. If you are uncertain, contact me and we can discuss your project and make a determination. Generally, if you feel your document may need more than a simple review for typos and spelling errors then consider copyediting. If you think your document is clear, accurate, and ready to be released but want one last review to find that tricky misused word (its/it’s) or dropped comma, consider proofreading.
Q. Can I get an estimate of cost for my project?
A. It is difficult to determine the amount of time a copyediting or proofreading project will take to complete. The length of the document, font size, number of words per page, and other factors all impact the final cost and turnaround time. As a general rule, I can carefully proofread approximately 5-8 pages per hour, assuming 200-250 words per page, the amount of artwork on the page, etc. Copyediting takes longer because the work is more detailed. Web sites also are hard to estimate, with time determined by the number of pages and links to be checked. To get a rough idea on how long it may take me to review your Web site, visit the Nelsen’s Fine Jewelry site (http://www.shopnfj.com), which took me about six hours to copyedit/proofread.
Q. How much advance notice is necessary for a project?
A. The amount of lead-time needed depends on my project schedule. I normally try to budget my time in such a way that I can work-in smaller projects with larger assignments with as little as one-day’s notice.
Q. What is the best way to send my project to you and how do you return it?
A. That depends on the project. Copyediting projects normally are sent to me via e-mail as MS Word document attachments. If preferred, I accept and work on PDF files in Adobe Acrobat 9, also sent as attachments in e-mail. I return the copyedited document in the same way, as an e-mail attachment. Proofreading projects are normally sent as hard copy by overnight mail, UPS, or FedEx. I use standard proofreader’s marks on the copy, and then return the document by way of UPS unless another method is preferred. If preferred, I also proofread magazines in PDF files using Adobe Acrobat, which are sent to me and returned to the client via e-mail.
Q. How fast do you turnaround projects?
A. Clients generally want their project copyedited or proofread and returned as quickly as possible and I do my best to accommodate that need. I complete assignments on a first-come, first-served basis, but try to leave windows of time for emergencies. I usually request two to three weeks to copyedit or proofread book manuscripts, depending on the length of the manuscript, back matter, endnotes, and other materials included. I often can do next-day turnaround on shorter documents such as magazine articles. For copyediting or proofreading entire magazines, I request two or three days, again depending on length. To expedite the return of documents that are sent in hard copy, I use UPS overnight delivery.
Q. What reference materials and resources do you use?
A. I am thoroughly versed in and use The Chicago Manual of Style 15th edition, and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. I also have close at hand and use Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition, Webster’s Biographical Dictionary, Webster’s Geographical Dictionary, Webster’s International Dictionary, Strunk and White Elements of Style, and the Copyeditor’s Handbook. Depending on the project, I also use specific house style guides, government Web sites, professional organization Web sites, and others resources as needed.
Q. How do you prefer to get paid?
A. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, I submit an invoice with the completed project. Each invoice has a due date of net 30 days. This applies to copyediting, proofreading, and magazine article writing. For large writing projects, once a flat fee is agreed upon I receive payment of 1/3 of the fee after signing the contract, payment of 1/3 of the fee with submission of the first half of the manuscript, and payment of the final 1/3 of the fee with submission of the completed manuscript.
Q. Are you available to answer questions related to comments and changes you make to my project?
A. I am always available to answer questions. If you have any concerns about your project, don’t hesitate to call me at the phone number listed on my contact page or send me an e-mail and I will respond as quickly as possible. |
