Copy editing, line editing, and proofreading

Copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written material to improve its accuracy, clarity, consistency, and overall quality before publication. It involves correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. 

I search for typos, missing words, improper use of commas, periods, and other punctuation marks. A goal is to ensure consistency in spelling, formatting, style, capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, and adherence to a particular style guide. 

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is preferred for most books. AP Style is primarily used in writing news releases (which I can also provide as I have years of experience in public relations).

In your voice

If you wish, I can also work with you in reducing wordiness and clarifying meaning by restructuring sentences for better flow. I want you to be comfortable and excited to get your book from manuscript to publication. I will collaborate with you and write in your voice. This is very important. I bring to the table, many years of experience working with many different clients when I was an advertising and public relations professional. Honing listening skills and understanding the scope of work – and the client’s needs and wants – is essential in creating a project both of us will be proud to offer to your reader.

Genres

 There are many genres and some crossover (Mystery,  Crime, Sci FI and Noir for example).  What I have found exciting – and rewarding – is working in these genres and discovering some of the nuances in all of them. Editing is a general term for the process, but different genres require different approaches.

When working on non-fiction that requires factual accuracy or legal issues (names, dates, statistics, etc.), I rely on you, the author,  to present this information accurately. However, I can work with you regarding research if you need assistance. This also goes for bibliographies and indexes. 

With fiction, there can be a lot of leeway with dialogue and style. We collaborate to make sure your original intent stays intact since this is your imagination, your story.

Religious works require special treatment concerning quotations from Biblical texts. Consistency is key.

Memoirs can be very creative with imagery, quotations, and photos. Have fun.

Historial Non-fiction and Creative non-fiction are usually somewhat autobiographical.They are based on your recollections or how you perceive a particular event. They tend toward an amalgamation of both non-fiction and your remembrances. True Crime can fit into this genre.

Self-help books usually are focused on assisting readers in achieving personal goals by the author sharing their personal experiences.