Editing
You have a draft of a document and you would like someone to go through and rework it, sometimes extensively, to ensure that it communicates your message as clearly and attractively as possible.
There are various forms of editing:
- Copyediting is similar to proofreading but its remit is a little broader: a copyeditor checks for inconsistencies in the wording and may do some fact-checking.
- Line editing aims to make your writing really sing.
- Substantial editing or rewriting (also known as developmental editing) refers to more substantial rewrites, often focusing on big picture elements such as the shape and structure of the text or story.
I offer copyediting and line editing. If you’re not sure which category your project falls into, you’re welcome to ask me.
Copyediting
Copyediting (sometimes referred to as copy-editing or copy editing) is a bit of a catch-all term that in some ways overlaps with proofreading. Technically speaking, a proofreader will catch errors but is not expected to “improve” on the text (since by this stage the text has often been typeset and changes should be limited). The copyeditor’s remit is more extensive: a copyeditor will look at the text in more depth, identifying any issues such as contradictions, inconsistencies (has someone’s hair colour suddenly changed?) and style.
Copyediting can be particularly useful when several people have contributed to a document, each introducing their own stylistic preferences and quirks. A copyeditor can double-check that the text reads seamlessly and the joins are no longer visible.
As a copyeditor, I will perform the following checks:
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Consistency – for example, have you used an initial capital letter for a certain term on one page, and left it all in lower case on the next? Are names always spelt the same way? Have you consistently used US or UK English spelling?
- Is the layout consistent?
- Other aspects of style (font size and type, numbering, bullet points).
- Checking that words are used correctly and the meaning is accurate.
- Highlighting sentences that might need rephrasing for clarity.
- Accuracy of acronyms, abbreviations and technical terms.
- Formatting of headings and lists.
- Formatting of any quotations.
- Preliminary pages and end matter.
Line editing
Again, there is some overlap between copyediting and line editing, but a line editor will really dig into the readability and flow of your writing and make sure you are telling your story as effectively as possible. As the name implies, a line editor works at sentence level, ensuring your writing is clear while respecting your individual writing style and voice. I offer this service for fiction and non-fiction projects.
Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash
Who do I edit for?
My clients come from all walks of life, and include:
- Organisations working on green transitions
- Fiction writers
- Memoir and non-fiction writers
- People who speak English as a second language (ESL)
- Scandinavian speakers writing in English
- Publishers
- Training organisations
- Charities
“If you’ve written a book, and you don’t use the services of a professional copy editor, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Liz went through mine recently and she did such a good job that I told her, honestly, she could charge more for her services.
Sure, you can use AI to proofread materials. But, seriously. You’ve put all that time and effort into writing a book. Count the hours. Show yourself some respect. There is no substitute for a meticulous, highly competent professional like Liz reading through it and giving you the perspective of a [prolific] reader (as in a human reader, the people who you want to read your book) who also happens to be a talented writer.
She’ll spot things that AI won’t. Guaranteed. And you’ll be thankful for it. Five stars because I can’t give her six.” – Matthew Lee, author of We Are the Ululating Tzatziki: A Quincy Moonbeams Adventure
What kind of things do I edit?
One of the joys of editing and proofreading is that I’m always learning something new and reading on a huge variety of topics! In recent years, my editing has included the following:
- Impact reports
- Training courses
- Fiction: novels and novellas, particularly those focused on environmental and thrutopian topics
- Non-fiction and memoir
- Business literature
- Marketing collateral
Please note that I can edit both UK English and US English text. If you’re unsure about whether I can help, just ask me! If I don’t feel able to take on your document myself, I may be able to point you toward another professional colleague who can help.
How I work
I always use a checklist for editing and proofreading; this doubles as a style sheet, and is based on professional experience of the kinds of issues that tend to come up. I will add to the checklist anything you particularly want me to check for. I am of course happy to use your own style sheet and your preferred style or brand guidelines.
During editing, I mark issues using Track Changes in Word, and occasionally add comments for clarification. I can also use PDF editing and commenting tools in Adobe Acrobat if you prefer.
As a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) (formerly the Society for Editors and Proofreaders, or SfEP), I work to a highly professional standard and comply with CIEP’s Code of Conduct and Professional Practice Code, which you can find here. This includes maintaining confidentiality and working to industry-recognised standards.
Once I’ve finished editing, I will send you two versions of the document, one with changes tracked and one with changes accepted (the “clean” file). You are always very welcome to ask questions about the changes I’ve suggested and, within reason, I’m happy to take another look at certain sections.
Quick turnaround
Your deadlines are important to me, and I pride myself on working accurately in a way that fits with your timing needs. If you need your document back quickly, I offer an express service that includes a 24-hour turnaround for shorter documents (under 3,000 words). When contacting me, please mention that you are interested in the express service.
Free sample edit
For longer documents, I offer a free sample edit of one to two pages. This allows you to see how I work and determine whether I would be a good fit for your book, chapter, thesis or document. (It also allows me to judge the level of editing required and give you an accurate quote for the work.) To take up this offer, please email a Word file to me at liz@betterworldwords.com, or message me via the contact form if you prefer. I will provide a sample proofread or edit using Track Changes. In my response, I’ll also give you an idea of the level of editing required, my estimated turnaround time and a no obligation quotation.
Can Work With You Anywhere
I live near Middlesbrough, England, but can work with you wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re in Istanbul, Barcelona, Athens, Berlin or Amsterdam, further afield in Singapore, Cape Town, New York, Sydney or Toronto, or closer to home in Liverpool, Brighton or Bristol – get in touch. I am looking forward to working with you!
“It was great, we accepted every single change that you suggested! It was great that you gave us tracked and accepted changes.” Katrina from Mustardseed Trust after I copyedited their Annual Report.
Better World Words 
