Services

Copyediting

Manuscript copyedited in Word using Track Changes

Copyediting takes place when a manuscript is close to being finalized but before the text is laid out by a graphic designer. When I copyedit, I read your manuscript line by line and suggest changes using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and Comment features. This service includes:

  • Correcting errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.

  • Checking for consistency in spelling, capitalization, formatting, numerals, and hyphenation.

  • Suggesting improvements in word choice, clarity, flow, tone, and alignment with client brand.

  • Recasting or querying instances of passive voice, lack of parallelism, redundancy, mixed metaphor, illogical construction, and ambiguity.

  • Fact-checking against relevant internal documents and third-party sources.

  • Offering suggestions for improving inclusivity and using bias-free language.

  • Verifying that headings are appropriate for their associated text.

  • Creating or contributing to client style sheet to record handling of issues such as capitalization, abbreviations, numerals, compound words, and spellings of unusual words.

  • Checking text against client style sheet and preferred style guide.

$0.02–$0.05/word
$40.00–$50.00/hour for mathematical proofs and word problems

Proofreading

Proofreading occurs after a document has been copyedited by a professional and laid out by a graphic designer. When I proofread, I read your PDF and suggest changes using Adobe Acrobat Pro’s Comment tools. I don’t suggest major changes to the text; rather, I look for minor mechanical, formatting, and design errors and confirm that the material is ready for publication. This service includes:

  • Correcting errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.

  • Checking for consistency in spelling, capitalization, formatting, numerals, hyphenation, margins, and spacing.

  • Checking text against client style sheet and preferred style guide.

  • Flagging awkward page breaks and end-of-line word divisions.

  • Cross-checking internal references.

  • Ensuring numbers are not skipped in numbered lists.

  • Ensuring consistency and correct placement of graphic elements, charts, tables, and sidebars.

  • Verifying that headings and captions are appropriate for their associated text or images.

  • Verifying that images and sidebars are located near their related content.

  • Verifying running headers, footers, and pagination.

$0.01–$0.025/word
$3.50–$18.00/page