What is copyediting and how does it differ from proofreading?
Copyediting is a traditional editing stage that prepares your manuscript for design and layout. This is usually performed on the raw Word document, using Track Changes. Proofreading is done after the manuscript has been typeset and is more often done on a PDF file, using the Adobe Comment tools.
For self-publishing authors, copyediting is the point at which your manuscript is examined for clarity and flow so that the reader gets the best out of it. It’s more thorough than a proof-edit, which could be regarded as light copyediting. It includes more detailed fact-checking, checks for inconsistencies in plot development and timelines, and application of MS Word’s Styles to prepare the manuscript for the designer, typesetter or for e-book formatting.
As part of a copyedit, I will also send you a detailed ‘style sheet’. This is a document which lists all the details of your language, grammar and spelling style choices, and records the physical features of your characters and the details of locations, real or fictitious, in your story. This is an important tool used to retain consistency throughout not only one manuscript but also from book to book in a series.
How much does copyediting cost?
As a guide, for a manuscript of:
30,000 words, approximately £650
50,000 words, approximately £950
100,000 words, approximately £1500
150,000 words would be almost £2000.
To get a firm quote, I would need you to send me a small sample from your manuscript, say, 1,000 words from somewhere in the middle. It needs to be pretty representative of what the rest of your manuscript looks like.
Or, give me a call to talk it over on 07827 919022.
Ask for a sample edit, free of charge.
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Clued Up Editing 