EditingI'm trained in copyediting and proofing. On a daily basis I provide:
I like to think of editing as invisible mending - you shouldn't notice it. The amount of time and effort spent improving a piece of writing should be a secret between the writer, the editor and the publisher. The job of the editor is to make the piece an effortless read. The reader should not be pulled up short by spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or poor structure.
Much like the poor shoemaker who gets much-needed help from elves, publishers are helped by editors. Often she too goes unnoticed. Quite right too. That's as it should be. But don't fall into the trap of spending money on a writer, a designer, a publisher (whether website or print) and then skimp on an editor. Its a false economy. Believe me. Like picking up a bargain in the January Sales only to find the trouser legs need taking up, the buttons need moving an inch and one of the pockets has a tiny tear. To help you decide whether you are ready to hire an editor (and to be clear about the difference between copyediting and proofreading) please read my simple guide 'Is Your Content Ready for Editing?'. Giving draft content to an editor is the commonest cause of delay in the publishing process. Editors would prefer to reschedule late copy than to start work and be given replaced or updated content. The guide will help you decide. If you are ready to submit your writing for an edit the guide will help manage expectations - time and budget may only allow for a light copyedit when it needs, like the Six Million Dollar Man, to be taken apart and rebuilt. |