The Editing Pencil

Thanks for stopping by. I know you’re here because you’re looking for editing help. 

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The Editing Pencil provides proofreading and copyediting services to small and large organizations, publishers, and authors.

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Do you know what kind of help you need? 

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⦁    Is your manuscript complete and you want a final set of eyes to make sure it's ready for publication?
⦁    Do you want need someone to review the spelling, grammar, punctuation, language, and consistency?
⦁    Do you need writing help?

 

Do you know what editors do and how professional editing can help you?

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The Editor’s Job

 

A developmental editor helps the author in developing and writing the content, determining how to present it, and identifying what kinds of documentation and/or permissions may be necessary for publication. The developmental editor also advises the author regarding rewriting specific sections or reorganizing the text.

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The substantive editor reviews the manuscript’s organizational structure and presentation. In-house editors, and/or the author’s colleagues or peers may also handle this type of editing and reviewing.

 

Sometimes, the same person may provide both developmental and substantive editing.

 

The copy editor’s job begins after the manuscript is finished and has been reviewed by the developmental editor and  other colleagues or peers. A copy editor, sometimes called a line editor, handles the mechanics of editing: grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the use of a consistent style. For example, the copy editor checks that all proper nouns are spelled the same way throughout the manuscript and whether you’ve defined any unusual terms or acronyms, all dashes and hyphens are used correctly, and all figures and tables are included and formatted consistently.

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Depending on the project, the copy editor may also perform other services, as requested, such as formatting and/or verifying references, checking URLs, and identifying biased language.

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The proofreader is the final set of eyes before the document goes to publication. Once the editor(s) and author(s) are satisfied with the final document, the proofreader ensures that the all the revisions have been done, are correct, and that no additional errors have been introduced into the text. The proofreader also checks for, among other things, hyphenation at the ends of lines, missed spelling errors, the consistent use of typeface and font, the correct locations of tables and illustrations, paragraph spacing, and text alignment, etc.

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What can professional editing do for you?

 

An editor can:

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• Catch embarrassing typos before they make it into print or the web. Was it attach or attack you meant to say?

• Check for consistency so you won’t confuse your readers. Is the character's name, Clark E. Smith or Clarke Smythe? 

• Make sure all figures and tables are included. You don't want readers to wonder, "Where’s Figure 14 that's mentioned on page 65?"

• Point out problematic usage, especially when talking about gender, race, ability, and accessibility.

• Make you sound polished and professional!

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Visit the Services page to find out more about The Editing Pencil.

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