Copy Edit / Proofreading

Welcome to the copy edit / proofreading page

Copy Edit

As with the content / developmental editing section, let's define what copy editing involves. This is where the copy or text of the manuscript is combed through for grammar, punctuation, and word choice. It's the time to find the typos a spell checker wouldn't flag. Things like from / form, where the word is spelled correctly, but not the word needed for the sentence. Or maybe it's a discreet / discrete mix-up. One means not likely to be seen or noticed by people (discreet) and the other means separate and distant from each other (discrete). Again, a spell check wouldn't flag either of these as incorrect, but they're two very different words.

Copy editing with Starry Sky Editing Services includes:

A line by line read through for grammar / punctuation / word choice.

Reading for context, do all the words and sentences make sense?

Notes regarding continuity / characterizations / plot.

Wait … isn't the continuity, characterization, and plot stuff part of content / developmental editing? Actually, yes. But, if I'm reading and come across something that isn't right, say a character has blue eyes in chapter one, but later they have brown eyes is chapter five, I'm going to have your back and mention the glitch. Your book is your calling card to readers, and I want it to be the best it can be.

If you have questions, concerns, or a need for clarity, please contact me. I'll be happy to respond.

Rates

For a full copy edit / proofread the rate is $0.01 to $0.05 per word, depending on the size of the project.

Proofreading

Proofreading is defined many ways, but I'm talking about a design proofread after the manuscript is laid out in book form. It's usually in a PDF format and has everything ready for ebook or print release.

The proofread also checks for everything a copy edit does. And it includes the following design elements:

Making sure italics match original manuscript

Hyphens, which included stacked hyphens and bad line breaks.

Widows and orphans

Headers

Page numbers

Footnotes and Endnotes

Bad breaks

Indents

Line spacing

Drop cap spacing

Table of content match up

Cover spread and cover copy if available

A good proofread makes sure your book is ready for prime time and in the best possible shape before taking the final steps to publish.

Rates

For a full proofread the rate is $3.00 to $5.00 per page, depending on the complexity of the interior design.

If you're looking specifically for one thing, say you only need to have an editor check for those pesky typos, let me know and a lower rate can be negotiated. Or if you'd like someone to review your cover copy a flat fee can be used. I try to be flexible when I can.

Monti Shalosky