Services

Editing |  Proofreading |  Writing |  Manuscript Critique

Editing

Copyediting.  Copyeditors work to improve the formatting, style, and accuracy (but not content) of a manuscript.

We use “copy” (the noun) to refer to written, typewritten, or word-processed text that is to be typeset, printed, or published.  In general, copyediting eliminates style and content errors in text that has not yet been formatted for printing.

At EyeEdit, our copyeditors:

• Correct and address flaws in word usage, tense, subject-verb agreement, possessives, spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation, as well as redundancies and flow.
• Give attention to readability, clarity and logic, and may therefore query such problems as awkward sentences, run-on sentences, sentence fragments, unnecessary words or phrases, and possible inaccuracies in figures, tables, indices, and other elements referenced in text.
• Check consistency of spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, numerals, and fonts.
• Query potential discrepancies in fiction manuscripts (such as issues with continuity of plot, setting, and character traits).
• Check cross-references (for example, “As Table 13 shows…”).
• Check for proper order and sequencing in lists, tables, etc.
• Change text and headings to ensure parallel structure.
• Ensure key terms and definitions are treated consistently.
• Identify inappropriate figures of speech.
• Ensure previews, summaries, and end-of-chapter questions reflect content.
• Change passive voice to active voice, when appropriate.
• Query incorrect or ambiguous statements.
• Ensure consistent style and tone in a multi-author manuscript.
• “Mark-up” the manuscript.

Copyediting is rule-based, focusing on standards, guidelines, and style.

Content editing (also substantive or stylistic editing). Content editors clarify or reorganize a manuscript for content, structure, and style. They eliminate jargon, polish language, and perform other non-mechanical line-by-line editing.  At EyeEdit, our content editors:

• Perform all copyediting tasks.
• Identify wordiness, triteness, confusing statements, vague generalizations, indefinite words (it, these, that, this) and mixed metaphors.
• Eliminate wordiness, triteness, and inappropriate jargon.
• Smooth transitions.
• Identify gaps and redundancies.
• Address coherence, logic and organization of the manuscript.
• Change and move sentences to improve readability.
• Assign new levels to headings to achieve logical structure.
• Suggest (and sometimes implement) additions and deletions.

Content editing is analysis based and intended to focus on evaluating a document’s readability and appropriateness for its readers.

Developmental editing.  Developmental editors advise on organization, approach, and style. These editors usually consult with the writer or author before writing begins.  Often, developmental editors co-ordinate editing a project from proposal or rough manuscript to final manuscript, incorporating input from authors, consultants, or reviewers.

At EyeEdit, our developmental editors:

• Suggest formats to communicate the message.
• Rewrite and restructure text to fit the format.
• Move sentences and entire paragraphs to improve flow.
• Ensure consistent structure by adding or deleting headings and sections.
• Identify gaps in content, and supply or describe the needed copy, so the authors can resolve the gaps.
• Delete outdated content or content that does not accomplish the desired marketing goals, focus or tone.

Developmental editing is collaborative, and organization based.  Unless agreed to in advance, our developmental editors do not ensure the consistency or correctness of spelling and usage.

Technical Editing.  Technical editors work to ensure quality control.  Technical editing involves restructuring awkward sentences and paragraphs to produce a clear, concise, accurate document.  Technical editors are not generally responsible for verifying the accuracy of the technical content of a publication. However, technical editors do question any item they suspect may be incorrect, and ensure that the responsible person verifies its accuracy.

At EyeEdit, our technical editors will make suggestions to improve the organization and flow of your document while ensuring the correct, appropriate and accurate use of technical jargon and information. Technical editing often overlaps copyediting.  Our technical editors:

• Assist the project team from start to completion.
• Perform all copyediting tasks.
• Determine the appropriateness of material for the target audience.
• Suggest formats to communicate the message.
• Analyze existing content; identify gaps in content and specify needed text, artwork, or other material.
• Supply or describe needed copy.
• Rewrite and restructure text to fit format.
• Move sentences and entire paragraphs to improve flow.
• Ensure consistent structure by adding or deleting headings.
• Delete outdated content or content that does not accomplish the desired focus or tone.
• Review aspects of the editorial and production process and enforce consistent standards throughout.
• Organize, promote and encourage communication among all members of the editorial team, including designers and illustrators.
• Check the math in all text and tables (and crosschecking text to tables).
• Integrate the author’s replies to queries (clean-up editing).

To summarize, our technical editors work on organization, presentation, word use, illustrations, comprehensibility, completeness, correctness, retrievability (index, table of contents), tone, and coherence.

All our editing services usually include light fact-checking.  However, in general, our copyediting, content editing and developmental editing does NOT include:

• rewrite of the author’s work; or
• comprehensive fact-checking.

Proofreading

Proofreaders read a proof or final copy of a text in order to detect and correct all errors before printing or publishing. When you submit documents to EyeEdit for proofreading, our proofreaders will work to eliminate inconsistencies or errors in spelling, grammar/word usage, capitalization, punctuation, spacing, alignment and other formatting before printing or publication.  Our proofreaders:

• Read final copy word for word, and line by line.
• Identify and query editorial errors.
• Check copy for conformity to style.
• Create a style sheet.
• Ensure consistent typography by checking margins, kerning, word spacing, line spacing, repetitive word breaks, etc.

Writing

Copywriting. Copywriting refers to the act of writing to market products, services and ideas.  Copywriters write “copy” to communicate your message to your audiences in the most effective targeted and persuasive way, producing observable results. From article to blogs, to press releases and website content, our copywriters specialize in converting basic text and information into engaging and compelling content.

Rewriting. A rewriter will create a new manuscript or parts of a manuscript based on content and research supplied by original writer/author.

Ghostwriting. A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes books, articles, stories, or other texts that are officially credited to another person.

Business Writing.  A business writer will help you to send messages that your clients, customers, and colleagues can understand and on which they can act.  Our writers will create content that highlights and showcases your products or services.  We will help you save time by developing simple, clear, precise and concise written documents and/or copy.

Manuscript Critique and Assessment

Our critiques and assessments seek to outline a manuscript’s strengths and suggest ways in which the client can improve the work.  We work to provide a comprehensive, specific and direct assessment; the intention of which is to be constructively critical.

Issues covered in the assessment will range from grammar, syntax and expression to engagement with ‘big picture’ concerns such as structure, voice, characterization, point of view and narrative logic. The assessment will respond specifically to the manuscript and will focus on ways to enhance your work.

We invite you to take advantage of our free sample edit offer. Experience EyeEdit for yourself!

To request a free estimate, click here.  To submit your work to us for service, click here.

Please note: we offer flexible, affordable payment terms for all projects. We are not motivated solely by material gain. Therefore we will be happy to work our rates and services into your budget on a project by project basis.  Please feel free to discuss your budget with us.

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