Copy-editing and proof-reading services
Get your manuscript copy-edited by a professional editor
Copy-editing is the process of going through your manuscript to eliminate sentence errors (such as spelling mistakes, punctuation errors and typos).
Our copy-editors can also make sure your material is well-organised, properly presented and that inconsistencies are eliminated. Our copy-editors are professional authors as well as copy-editors, so they really know what they’re doing. They know the rules of grammar inside out, and will cast their tactful, constructive, intelligent eyes over your entire text. They’ll read your manuscript for errors, but they’ll also make sure it retains its style and voice.
Which service is right for you?
Line-editing
Service comprises: The most detailed form of text-correction. Includes careful attention to sentence structures, clarity & rhythms.
Suitable for: Non-native speakers, and others with additional needs, such as dyslexia.
Most writers will do better to master prose style & quality themselves, than try to outsource the job.
Copy-editing
Service comprises: Typos, spellings and punctuation errors, but extends into consistency, fact-checking & sentence clarity. Further details below.
Suitable for: Self-publishers, Writers wanting a polish prior to agent submission.
Copy-editing services are not normally required by writers seeking trad publication.
Proof-reading
Service comprises: The lightest form of text-correction. Deals largely with typos, spellings and punctuation errors.
Suitable for: Self-publishers, if text is already very clean.
This service is not normally needed for writers seeking trad publication.
The basic task of text-correction comes in three main flavours, and writers need to choose carefully which one is right for them.
Line-editing
Price
Typos
Spellings
US or UK
Punctuation
Grammar
Fact-checking
Consistency
Repetitions
Clarity
Style & flow
Cutting
Rewriting
Line-editing
From £12 / 1000 words
Some
Copy-editing
£9 / 1000 words
Some
Proof-reading
£7 / 1000 words
Some
How does it work?
Once you’ve chosen your service, you simply email us the document you want to be edited. We also offer a simple upload page, to make it even easier.
We’ll check that the service you’ve chosen seems appropriate. For example, if your text is very clean already, there’d be no point in you paying for a costly line-edit.
You’ll get a digital copy of your manuscript returned to you with all errors highlighted and corrected. Your copy-editor will also suggest ways to remove inconsistencies and flag up anything that doesn’t make sense or needs to be fact-checked. You can accept or reverse any changes, so you remain in complete control. Turnaround times are typically 2-3 weeks, depending on the assignment.
Why use us?
We’re experts at getting people published, and that means we’re experts on all parts of the process.
We take great care to only work with the best freelance copy-editors and proof-readers from around the world. They really know their stuff and will make sure your manuscript is in tip-top shape.
Plus, if you’re a member of Jericho Writers, you’re entitled to a discount. Find out more or join us.
- Editorial output: You’ll get a digital copy of your manuscript with errors highlighted and corrected.
- Opportunity to ask questions: Yes. After you’ve received your corrected manuscript, you’ll get chance to pose any questions about the corrections, direct to your copy-editor.
- Genres accepted: All (Fiction and Non-fiction).
- Manuscript length: All.
- Work with writers from: Around the world.
- Cost: It depends on length and complexity of your manuscript. Get in touch with us directly and we’ll provide a quote.
- Editors: View list.
- Turnaround time: Usually 3-4 weeks.
Detailed information
Will my document be flawless?
Probably not, no.
We are very good at what we do and use only experienced editors who specialise in the fiction and creative non-fiction. But copy-editing is a time-consuming and manual process.
A large trade publisher will typically use a professional copy-editor AND a professional proof-reader AND have the text combed through twice each by the author and editor or editorial assistant as well. Even so, errors creep through.
A realistic outcome from our process is that your text will be very clean, but not quite perfect. In our experience, this standard will prove easily sufficient for self-publishing or submission to trad outlets.
Do I need any form of copy-editing?
Maybe – but quite likely not.
We love our structural editing service (see details) and think that 99% of writers would see their manuscripts improve markedly as a result.
Copyediting is different. For example, it makes no sense to edit copy if you still have structural work to do – just as you wouldn’t hang wallpaper before the walls were complete. And writers wanting traditional publication shouldn’t need copyediting – your publisher will take care of it.
That said, if you want to self-publish like a pro, or just want a really clean manuscript, then some form of copyediting is essential, and we’d be more than happy to assist!
Please note: We reserve the right to refuse assignments (and refund any money paid) where we think we can’t perform our work to the appropriate standard.
This will typically be where the work needed to prepare the manuscript exceeds the payment made. We’ll always be happy to talk you through your options; we just don’t want to take your money if we don’t think we’re going to do a great job.
Still got questions? Then get in touch.
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