Manuscript Proofreading, Copyediting, and Developmental Editing
Manuscript proofreading is limited to spotting typographical errors, misspellings and basic errors in presentation. This reading is performed toward the completion of the project, and IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE for more substantial editing. Rates for this kind of editing can vary based on the quality of the manuscript. Manuscripts which require substantial correction take more time, more work and more interaction, and naturally cost more.
Copyediting refers to the improvement of copy, including but not limited to grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction, sentence structure, paragraphing, cohesion, reduction of redundancy, and consistency of tone and style. Typemarking the manuscript.
Light copyediting may include
- correction of spelling
- usage
- sequence
- cross-referencing.
- light copyediting plus
- changing items to parallel structure
- ensuring consistency (nonfiction)
- adjusting chapter questions to reflect content (academic)
- tracking the continuity of plot, setting, and character, and querying the discrepancies( fiction)
- content and style check (and amendments)
- passive to active voice
- flagging content such as ambiguity or conflicting statements which require author input
- typemarking the manuscript
- medium copyediting plus
- cutting wordiness, triteness, and jargon
- imoving transitions
- moving sentences to imcrease readability
- additional headers or formatting to increase accessibility (nonfiction)
- suggesting and/or implementing changes
- tracking comparisions
Developmental editing (or content editing) looks at the big picture. In nonfiction, developmental editing mostly examines theme, writing style, and pace of the book. It is generally part of the planning stage, because texts which are developmentally problemed require major restructuring. In fiction, characters and plot receive scrutiny. Character consistency, dialect, dialogue, flow, plot, conformity to "Freytag's Pyramid."
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