Why have your text edited?
Human beings are social animals, and we need to be able to express ourselves. Whether you want to convey a feeling, a theory or an instruction, finding the best path to clarity is tricky. Written communication is particularly troublesome – errors and inconsistencies can distract from your meaning, and ambiguity can dilute it. Whether you write academic papers, non-fiction books, publicity materials, blog posts, or magazine articles, you need to express your ideas clearly. I can help you create elegant, error-free texts that really connect with your readers.
Working with me
I’m an Intermediate member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and have proven experience in editing for publishing companies and directly with authors. I love the collaborative process of editing, especially with writers who are not native English speakers. I also find an extremely nerdy satisfaction in whipping a reference section or bibliography into shape.
I can work on your document in various formats, using Word and tracked changes, PDF markup, or Google Docs. I can also work with Adobe InDesign.
Whether you need line editing or copyediting, I will provide an editorial report and a style sheet, outlining editorial decisions, queries and any points that need further attention.
So, what kind of editing do you need?
Line Editing
Your text isn’t quite ready to be released into the wild. You need more complex work to prepare it for publication. Perhaps you want to submit a sample to a publisher, or you’re seeking some advice about style and structure.
Line editing entails a thorough line-by-line review of the text, remaining sensitive to the author’s voice, and analysing at sentence level whether:
the language and tone are appropriate for the intended audience
the narrative flows, and is logical
any information is missing or unclear
the style and content is consistent
sentences are necessary and in the right place
word choice and syntax are effective
the text is readable and understandable
a citation or reference is required (academic works)
information is accurate or, conversely, misleading
This list is not exhaustive, and line editing can also include aspects of copyediting, such as analysing document structure, formatting references and citations if required, and fact checking.
Copyediting
Your text has jumped through hoops, and it’s almost ready to fly the nest. You just need a final polish before it goes to the designer or typesetter. Enter the copyeditor.
Copyediting includes:
working to a given style guide, or standardising style where no guide is provided
checking grammar, spelling and formatting
removing unnecessary repetition
making sure the text is clear and unambiguous, rephrasing for sense where necessary
fact checking and checking for plagiarism or potential legal issues (if necessary)
making sure the structure of the document is logical and consistent (headings, subheadings, diagrams, pictures etc.)
cross-referencing and formatting footnotes, page references, citations, bibliography, etc., according to preference (CMOS, APA, MLA, etc.)
preparing the text for the typesetter or designer, including coding or implementing Word styles
If you’re not sure which service you need, I’m happy to advise you. Just get in touch - send an email or give me a call, and we can assess what will best suit your project.
“Rachael’s natural ability to write with style and elegance ensures a finishing touch that adds polish and finesse to all my texts.”
Rachel Robertson - Freelance Translator