Copy Editors
A copy editor usually sees the book before a proofreader. Their job is much more involved and their work responsibilities include not only checking for errors, but also rearranging words, cutting things out, etc., to ensure that it reads well, conforms to house style and makes sense.
Their job will involve:
- Checking spelling, punctuation, hyphenation and capitalisation
- Correcting grammatical errors
- Ensuring it conforms to house style
- Researching and writing additional material
- Identifying possible factual errors
- Checking weighting of headings
- Rewriting where required
- Restructuring sentences and paragraphs that are too long
- Checking for libel, slander, bias, etc.
A copy editor’s job is to revise and polish the text, without substantially changing the author’s style. They make far more and much bigger changes than proofreaders, making it a more demanding, varied and creative task.
Proofreaders
A proofreader looks out for clear errors and mistakes. Specific things they will be checking for include:
- Spelling mistakes
- incorrect capitalisation
- faulty punctuation
- Inconsistencies: headings, page numbering, characters, plot, etc.
- Layout and formatting issues
- Factual errors and ambiguities
It is not a proofreader’s job to rewrite text or change an author’s style; stylistic matters must be left to the copy editor.
Proofreading is the direct opposite to speed-reading, where material is read slowly and carefully, taking in every letter of every word, while considering spelling, punctuation, etc.
Why do I need an editor
The Editing House understands that you have invested a lot of time and effort into your work. Your book will be handled in a professional manner so you can be proud of your work as you bring it to a publishable standard
A good editor or proofreader will help you to iron out any errors, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, structure, etc. Spelling and punctuation are something that may appear to be very simple if you are someone to whom it comes naturally. However, to others it can tie them up in knots, cause a great deal of anxiety and even hold them back from achieving their goal.
Remember: it is much harder to detect mistakes in your own work than it is in someone else’s. This is because you are too close to your writing to see the mistakes. So why choose a professional editor?
- They can help you to enhance your writing and convey ideas succinctly.
- You will want to get the best price for your manuscript and a good edit will help to achieve this
Reviews
'I was really pleased with the First Chapter Critique report I got back from Claire. She pointed out errors in my story – some which I suspected they would find as editing really is one of my weak points. The service was prompt, explaining clearly where I was going wrong, with suggestions how to rectify them. Hopefully, I can now use the suggestions further into the book now. It was well worth the money and to be honest, it wasn’t that expensive. She also the replied within the time frame that was promised. I will highly recommend her to others.'
Eimear (Ireland)
‘Claire is a very conscientious and thorough proofreader. Her feedback is always very clear and well thought through and she is able to turn projects around quickly, if necessary. I know that if I am sending a project through to Claire, it will be in a very safe pair of hands.’
Studio Press Books, part of Kings Road Publishing
‘With regard to the service I received from your company, I can only say it was prompt, efficient and exactly what I needed. Should I need any further proofreading of manuscripts, I shall not hesitate to seek your services again.’
D. Shaw, Collection of Short Stories
‘Claire’s work is always thorough, timely, and of a very high standard, with great attention to detail, and I have no hesitation recommending her for editing or proofreading work at all levels.’
Dominic James, John Hunt Publishing
'As a first-timer, I didn’t realise how complex publishing is. Of course you can, if you like, expend your creative energies on proofreading, typesetting, copywriting, choosing an illustrator, leveraging your book on Amazon/Kindle, converting your book into a physical entity. But my advice would be to leave that to the professionals. The Editing House will carefully navigate you through the process, leaving you free to do what you do best. They are a supportive, professional team with good ideas and a first-rate response time. I wholeheartedly endorse them.'
L. Pritchard, Harlequinade
'I have no writing experience at all. I’ve had this idea for a book for a while, so it was only natural one day I finally decided to type it out. I finished the first chapter and instantly felt lost. I had no idea if it was good, bad or if it was all just a waste of time. I found The Editing House via Google and read about their ‘First Chapter Critique Service’ on their website; it was exactly what I needed. The service they provided was quite exceptional. It was a very in-depth critique alongside some personal opinions on my writing – it has helped me greatly.'
Liam Shaw, I, The Anxious
‘"Simply perfect!" are the only words that come to mind with regards to my working relationship with The Editing House. I have used various publishing companies during these past ten years, many of whom were special in their own ways. However, when I began a working relationship with Claire it was for me an elite magic moment. I quickly realised that sometimes in life we have to give up something special, in order to gain something even more special. This I did, and was soon to learn with an acute realisation that Claire is a special person, an exceptional person, talented with writer’s vision and editorial substance. She is driven by dignity, compassion, caring and the desire to help others realise their own vision, and to gently help unravel the complexities of the book that lies within us all. My ship has now been securely anchored for all future books that I may seek to have published.'
Wilfie Cummings, Little Johnny and His Amazing Journey Through Life and Ragbag Family
'For the unpublished author good proofreading and editing is an absolute must and for the published author it will make selling your next novel much easier. Publishers instantly recognise good, sparkling editing and are far more likely to read on if the work is clean and clear in punctuation, syntax and spelling. All the books of my Bill Reyner series have been edited by Claire Dean at The Editing House. For sheer excellence, accuracy and consistency of editing I have found none better.'
Wentworth M. Johnson, The Bill Reyner Series (Canada)
'Achieving a well-edited manuscript is an essential part of bringing a book into publication. Editing services and skills vary considerably from one company to another, which is why I am confident in recommending The Editing House to all my prospective authors, as I can always be assured of a professionally executed and individually tailored proofreading job which benefits both the author and the publisher. The Editing House experience is second to none.'
Beth Roberts, Local Legend Publishing
'Just to say a big, big thank you for all the hard work, the patience, the phone calls and most of all, the way you made me feel at ease – especially with the unpleasant bits I had to reveal. Without your help in writing and proofreading this book, it would have not got off the ground. I am pleased to be able to tell you that the book has been accepted for publication. If I was ever asked if I knew a good editor, I would gladly recommend your name. I will never be able to thank you enough.'
Emily Rogers