Editing

Hiring an editor can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be!

Whether you’re working on a novel or a corporate audit, a tech manual or a website, I’m here to help!

As your editor, I will treat you and your project with respect and give you the service and constructive feedback you need.

Click here to see what my clients have to say! (Fiction writers: I work in any genre or style, but I’m especially fond of urban fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and YA!)

So, where to start? Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions!

Q. What does an editor do?

Every editor’s top priority is the reader! The kinds of editing we do varies widely, but generally speaking, an editor’s job is to review and refine text to make sure it is clear, correct, concise, and appropriate for the audience. Some editors might focus on one specialized type of editing, like indexing or proofreading, or they might take on a project management role–working with graphic designers and other professionals to chaperone a project from development all the way to production.

It all begins with a relationship. Contact me at woodvinewrites@yahoo.com and let’s talk about your next project!

[Here at WoodvineWrites, we follow the Editors Canada Professional Editorial Standards 2016.]

“Every sentence has a purpose. It doesn’t exist to take up space. It exists to change the reader, to move her from here to there. This sentence, then, what’s it for? If it doesn’t move us closer to where we seek to go, delete it.”

Seth Godin.

Q. What kind of editing do I need?

Think of the different types of editing like the zoom of a camera. Structural editing is your wide shot, it takes in the whole project. It asks the big picture questions. Do the parts work together? Should sections be moved? Added? Removed?

As you move from structural editing to proofreading, you’re simply focusing your camera closer and closer to your subject.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Structural Editing (sometimes called stylistic or developmental^* editing). Evaluates the structure and content of the piece as a whole and how it fits with other components if needed. Includes:

• • Checking overall structure and style
  • Looking at plot, themes, and characterization
  • Organising the manuscript; revising, reordering, removing, or expanding material
  • Identifying gaps in content and suggesting new content if requested
  • Checking for permissions related to third-party material
  • Reworking material for other media

2. Line/stylistic Editing. Editing to improve flow, coherence and readability. Some components may be included with structural editing, while others are handled as part of a copyedit. Includes:

• • Removing jargon, clichés, and euphemisms
  • Flagging issues related to biased and non-inclusive language
  • Ensuring that the voice, tone, and style remain consistent
  • Maintaining appropriate language level and readability to match the intended audience
  • Improving syntax
  • Making sure that word choice is appropriate for the genre

3. Copyediting. Editing to improve correctness, consistency and completeness. Includes:

• • Grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage
  • Correcting or querying inconsistencies
  • Editing image captions, tables, lists, figures
  • Checking for accuracy
  • Localizing, if requested
  • Creating or modifying citations
  • Querying permissions
  • Testing web links
  • Editing covers, front matter, and back matter
  • Creating/following specialized style sheets

4. Proofreading. Checking material in its final layout for errors. Includes:

• • Checking for minor errors, such as mistakes in spelling or punctuation
  • Making sure the layout is correct
  • Checking visual elements, links, metadata, captions, etc.

^*By some definitions, the role of the developmental editor may include taking a book project from development to publication, serving as project manager and working with other freelance professionals to complete the project.

Let’s talk about your project, budget, and timeline to find the right editing solution for you!

Q. What will it cost?

Fees for editing will depend on your goals and the nature of your project. Based on the length and complexity of the work, and after reviewing a representative sample, I will provide you with an estimated cost and timeline for completion. Estimates are clearly itemized so there’s no uncertainty about what you can expect.

Email me at woodvinewrites@yahoo.com and let’s talk about your project, budget, and timeline.

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Tips & Tricks: Whether you’re looking for information or inspiration, visit the Resources section (located in the footer below) for a curated list of helpful websites!

And for a peek at what I’ve been reading, don’t miss #TheBookshelf!