Editing Your Document

For documents that are not yet in their final layout, I prefer to use Word's Track Changes and Comments features (or the Google Docs equivalent) to provide edits and, if necessary, explanations and queries. I can also edit PDF proofs using Adobe Acrobat Pro.

If there is a specific style guide and/or known variations from a style used for your project, please provide this information in your initial submission email (see Pricing for details); if not, I will default to Chicago Manual of Style guidelines and to Merriam-Webster for spelling.

See below for descriptions of the types of editing services I provide.

Proofreading

This involves my looking only for grievous typos, widowed or orphaned words, misplaced text, and potential layout errors. Documents for which this option might be appropriate may include fliers, posters, newsletters, résumés, reports, and manuscripts. Usually, documents are sent to be proofread after they have already been edited and laid out in their final form.

Melody came to my rescue when I had to turn in perfect papers and perfect manuscripts. She pointed out every single grammatical error. More importantly, she gave me direction and insight when ideas I had written were unclear. She has consistently made me look good. I highly recommend her editing services for any writing that needs to reflect your best effort!     --Charlie Buckley, MS CCC-SLP, doctoral student in Special Education

Copyediting

There are several different types of editing. For convenience, I split my copyediting services into two levels: light and heavy. Other editors may use these or alternate terms to mean different things. Keep in mind that all edits are merely suggestions and that every editor has a distinct style and technique.

Light Copyediting

This involves my looking for typos, indisputable grammar and punctuation errors, and inconsistency in both content and formatting. Choose this option if you are confident in the content of your document but want to ensure that the text is correct to prevent potential embarrassment and to foster trust in your name, brand, or business.

Heavy Copyediting

This involves my performing all the tasks of light copyediting as well as making comments and suggestions regarding the organization, clarity, and other content-specific issues of a text. You can list specific concerns in your submission request. Choose this option if you want not only edits for technical correctness but also comments to improve the content, message, or argument of a document.