Editing & Proofreading—What’s the difference between them?

I’m happy to offer editing and proofreading services to academics, authors, students, businesses, and researchers. I offer three levels of assistance:

1. Proofreading: Checking for typos, punctuation errors, and grammatical errors. This service is for documents that have already been edited and are almost ready for publication. No major changes are needed—just that last bit of polish.
2. Copyediting (also written as copy editing) and line editing: Helping with word choice and sentence structure, avoiding continuity errors, ensuring factual correctness and clarity of meaning, plus the proofreading services above. This service is for documents that are in good shape but could use a bit of help to look more professional. Note: Some editors separate copyediting and line editing, but I prefer not to. If I’m going to help with word choice and sentence structure, I’d rather go all in and make your document the best it can be while maintaining your unique voice as a writer.
3. Developmental editing (also known as structural editing): This service is for documents that need more help, such as significant rewriting of many sentences. It also includes assistance with the overall structure of the document, including section/chapter order and other high-level issues.

Is it really important to have error-free writing?

According to this article, people notice and some people care. Sure, not everyone will notice or care, but why not get some help to make sure your writing looks as professional as possible?

What if I’m not sure which service I need?

Still not sure? Contact me and send a sample of your writing (or the whole document, if you prefer—your privacy is my priority). Microsoft Word is my preferred format, but I can also work in Google Docs and other formats.

I’ll help you decide which level of assistance would be most effective for your writing. I’ll even do a free sample for you so you can see how I help!

What do I get?

You’ll get your document back in Microsoft Word format with tracked changes so you can see what changes I made, often with notes explaining why each change was made. You’ll also receive a “clean copy” that’s ready to go. If you’re unsatisfied with any aspect, I’ll work with you to make it right. If you need a format other than Word, I’ll work with you in your preferred format, but tracked changes might not be available.

How soon will I receive my edited document?

That depends on the length of your document and what services you need. It may be possible to “skip the line” if you are willing to invest in a rush fee, and if my schedule allows.

If your document is long, I’ll keep you updated on my progress regularly.

How do I get started?

Click here to send me your document and any questions about the process. You may also email me directly at [email protected].

Once I understand your goals and needs, I will present several options tailored to your project, with various price points to work within your budget. You choose what works best for your document.

If you’re interested in a general range of what other editors charge, check out this page. I am a proud member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, but I realize that every situation is different, and part of how I determine my rates is the “headache factor.” Simply put, the easier and cleaner your document is when you send it to me, the more flexible I am in my rates.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you!