Getting published
Before your work can be published you need to be confident that the copy has been thoroughly checked. It is advisable to get your manuscript copy-edited and then proofread to ensure a professional finish. Please read the explanations below to see how these stages work separately and together.

Copy-editing and line-editing fiction
On the first reading of a new manuscript I will create a synopsis spreadsheet highlighting the language style, storyline, characters, foreshadowing and voice. The second reading is more detailed and looks for consistency of style, reassesses foreshadowing, tracks the plot and subplots and asks the following:
  • Premise, plot and theme – Does the opening relate to the rest of the story? Does the middle sag? Is the ending satisfactory?
  • Voice and style – Is there repetition? Has there been correct use of punctuation? Does the syntax and rhythm work? Has alliteration and assonance been used and does it work? Is there an overuse of synonyms? Is a glossary needed for colloquialisms? Does the language avoid being offensive? Is there tautology? Are there any anachronisms or anomalies? Has there been any info-dumping? Are there any spelling mistakes?
  • Point of view (PoV) – What is the PoV? Has the PoV been consistent?
  • Dialogue – Has the dialogue been correctly punctuated? Is there overuse of speech attribution? Is the dialogue realistic within the context of the genre?
  • Consistency – Is there consistency within the plot, timeline, setting (world-building), characters and language? If the manuscript is part of a series, is there consistency?
The above are just some of the questions I will ask myself as I read through your manuscript. The answers to these questions will help me to create a stylesheet and a list of observational points for your reference, and will be supplied to you with the completed edited work. The stylesheet will be useful for your proofreader and publisher going forward. If I am supplied with a stylesheet created by yourself (the author) or publisher then I am happy to work with this.

Copy-editing non-fiction
I will be looking out for the following when I receive a non-fiction manuscript or material from non-publishers:
  • spelling, grammar and punctuation errors;
  • inconsistencies, contradictions and inappropriate writing style;
  • parochialisms;
  • offensive language and references;
  • plagiarism and libel; and
  • ensuring that the organisation and structure of the piece works.

Although copy-editing may appear scary and judgemental, I am here to help you. This can be a fraught time, but by working together we will end up with a final polished manuscript. I have the same goal as you, the author, which is to create the best book possible. If you would like to discuss your copy-editing requirements, then please contact me via my email address justine@justinecunninghamproofreader.com.

Proofreading
A proofread is a final check to ensure that there are as few errors remaining in your typeset document as possible. This stage is very important and the following will be looked at in great detail:
  • typographical errors;
  • punctuation errors;
  • grammatical errors; and
  • typesetter errors including inconsistent styling of chapter heads, unnecessary line spaces and incorrect paragraph indentation.
If I am not supplied with a stylesheet I will create one from my observations as I work through the copy. The list will include such items as commonly used words or phrases with upper/lower case initial letters, number treatments, unique spellings, hyphenations and abbreviations. This will show you the proofreader's decisions when you are reviewing the edited material with your publisher.

​If you would like to discuss your proofreading requirements, then please contact me via my email address justine@justinecunninghamproofreader.com.

Skills
On paper I use the British Standards Institution's proof-correction marks (BS 5261C:2005).
​On screen I use Track Changes for Word files and Adobe Acrobat comments tools for pdfs.