FAQs

What’s the difference between proofreading and copyediting?

Copyediting not only ensures mechanical consistencies, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar throughout the manuscript, but I also edit for language and content, correlating parts, and remind you to have the proper permissions for publishing material made by others, such as other books, charts, and images. Depending on the level of copyediting you request—light, medium, or heavy—I can do some light fact-checking, rewrite wordy passages, and make recommendations for organization on a sentence and paragraph level.

Proofreading is the final quality check before your book is published—the final “polish,” if you will. There is no rewriting done on your manuscript. I correct inconsistencies and mechanical, grammar, layout, and formatting errors.

REMEMBER: Changes to your manuscript are recommendations only—you don’t have to accept what you don’t like. Editors should back up their recommendations with sources like a style guide or a dictionary. They should have a reason for making recommendations, not just because “it sounds better this way.”

Do you have any editorially related educational degrees or certifications?

My training has prepared me to perform the highest-quality copyediting and proofreading services.

There are no actual certifications for editors and proofreaders in the United States. These are administered by professional organizations within industries, and none of the United States’s professional editorial organizations do this. I do, however, have certificates in copyediting and proofreading from the University of California San Diego Extension and Edit Republic, both reputable schools well-known in editorial circles. I also have a professional writing certificate.

How much do you charge?

I use a project-based pricing method. Like many other editors, I review the entire manuscript to provide the best value for the best price.

When do I pay you?

I normally require a 50 percent deposit before I start work and the rest when I complete the project before I hand it back to you. However, we can work out installments if you need to pay in smaller increments.

When will you finish my book?

Several factors determine this, such as your schedule, my availability, book length, and the level of editing. I’ll first review the entire manuscript to estimate how long it will take to complete your project when I perform the sample edit.

Do you provide sample copyedits/proofreads?

I’ll perform a 1,000-word sample copyedit/proofread (at no charge) from your manuscript so you can preview my editing style. I’ll also estimate the cost and return date of your manuscript.

Will my book be perfect after you proofread it?

You can have a hundred people proofread a book, and it won’t be “perfect.” Perfection is subjective—there is no one “right” answer. Even today’s grammar rules are up for debate because different people have different ways of doing different things. It is unrealistic and unethical to guarantee that I’ll catch every error. I will guarantee that I’ll do my best for you, aiming for the highest editorial standards. I will not make unachievable promises regarding perfection.

Why can’t I just use AI (spelling and grammar check software, for example) instead of hiring you?

While they can detect some spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, that’s it at the proofreading level. They don’t catch contextual errors—like “too” instead of “two," for example. They don't find inaccuracies in design, layout, and typesetting, to name a few. They also won’t locate uneven indents, inconsistencies with tables of contents and page numbers, incorrect date and number formats, incorrect capitalization, and incorrect citation formatting. The human eye is still the best method of detecting errors and inconsistencies—artificial intelligence at this time can't replace the trusty copyeditor and proofreader.