Copy-editing non-fiction

What do I look for?
  • Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
  • Inconsistencies, contradictions and inappropriate writing style
  • Offensive language and references
  • Plagiarism and libel
  • Ensure that the organisation and structure of the piece works
  • Format - discuss preferred layout with you

What do you receive if your manuscript is in Word?
An annotated version of your manuscript using Track Changes to include the following:
  • Comment boxes with suggestions and helpful hints
  • In-line amendments such as spelling and grammar corrections
  • Word’s formatting style system (industry standard) which will create a list of the parts, chapters, dates and sections on the left-hand side of your screen, making it easier to move around your manuscript

What do you receive if your manuscript is in pdf format?
An annotated version of your manuscript using the text editing tools in Acrobat to include the following:
  • Comment boxes showing in-line amendments such as spelling and grammar corrections
  • Comment boxes with suggestions and helpful hints

I am happy to receive a style sheet from you, which I will follow; however, I can provide the following: 
  • A list of common publishing styles for writing dates, time, capitalisation and punctuation
  • Observations for consideration which might include queries on consistency, use of italics and point of view
  • Suggest the benefits for the addition of a glossary or bibliography
  • Lists of abbreviations, different spelling styles and foreign words depending on what you have used
  • A discussion about your reader and preferred audience

The style sheet is very useful for your proofreader.