top of page

EDITING SERVICES

Non-fiction

​

First Reading (assessment)
 

The first reading is an overall assessment of the manuscript. At the end of the first reading, the editor will either meet with the author or send a letter outlining the following:

  • Does the presentation of material hold together?

  • Is the pace even?

  • Is the overall tone objective and supported?

  • What is the overall quality of the writing?

  • Is there a strong, consistent voice?

Structural

First Edit (substantive/structural edit)

 

The first edit is a substantive/structural edit. At the end of the first edit, the editor will either meet with the author or return an annotated electronic copy of the manuscript to the author detailing with the following:

  • Noting content that needs to be clarified

  • Noting structural/organizational issues present in the manuscript

  • Checking for logical development of ideas​

    • Is there sufficient and clear support for the facts presented?

    • Is the presentation of information objective?

  • Noting the overall pace of the manuscript and the pace of each chapter​

    • Does the writing move evenly?

    • Where does it move too quickly or bog down?

  • Does the narrative voice change or falter?

  • Does the author's voice intrude?

 

* This edit does not include research or writing original material unless contracted in advance.

 

Stylistic

Second Edit (stylistic edit)

 

The second edit is a stylistic edit or line-by-line edit for language and consistency. However, if the structural flaws as noted in the first edit have not been sufficiently addressed, the author will be contacted and the second edit will be suspended until the structural flaws can be discussed and/or repaired at no additional cost. At the end of the second edit, the editor will return an electronic copy of the manuscript with the following stylistic edits annotated:

  • Clarifying meaning

  • Eliminating jargon

  • Noting tense shifts in narration

  • Noting point-of-view shifts in narration

  • Checking narrative fact (as opposed to actual/content fact)

    • Is something true within the narrative according to the information or assertions already stated?​

​​

Note: For scholarly works, peer reviewers should verify actual fact and accuracy within the subject field.

 

* This edit does not include checking or correcting reading level unless contracted in advance.

Copy edit

Third Edit (copy edit)

 

The third edit is a copy edit and final proofreading. At the end of the third edit, the editor will return an electronic copy of the manuscript with the following copy edits marked:

  • Grammar

  • Usage

  • Spelling

  • Punctuation

  • Other mechanics of style

  • Typographical errors

  • Small deviations from style sheet such as font inconsistencies and in-text citation punctuation

  • Noting consistency of mechanics

  • Noting internal consistency of facts

  • Checking approximate placement of illustrations for consistency

  • Editing tables, figures and lists

 

Note:  In cases where there are limited copy edits, a marked-up hard copy will be returned.

​

* This edit does not include the following unless requested in advance:

  • Americanization

  • standardization of weights and measures

  • verifying translations or accuracy of non-English words

  • editing the index

 

* This edit does not include the following unless contracted in advance:​

  • providing or changing system of citations

  • editing or proofing Reference pages

  • writing captions or credit lines

  • writing running heads or checking accuracy of running heads and folios

  • incorporating author's alterations

  • checking page breaks

  • inserting or checking page numbers to content and page references

  • flagging or checking location of illustrations

  • listing permissions needed

  • notifying Designer of any unusual production requirements

  • providing front matter (prelims), cover copy or cover design

  • writing the preface, foreword, back matter or acknowledgements

Reference pages
Editing and proofreading Reference pages
 

Reference pages need to conform to the format and style guide designated by the field of study. This editing and proofreading will review each entry to be sure that it conforms to the style guide for the specific type of source (container). Please submit a Reference aid with the first author's name and the specific type of source (container).  

​

This edit does not include

  • ​verifying author or authors' spelling or initials

  • verifying the reference for article name, source/container name, volume number, date, etc.

 

Bookmakers assumes that the source information collected by the manuscript author is complete and accurate.

Manuscript requirements

Manuscript requirements to submit for services:

 

Word processing software - Microsoft Word

Font -  Times New Roman

Font size - 12 point

Spacing between lines - double

250 words is industry standard for a page.

 

Just prior to submission (after your manuscript has received its final round of proofreading and edits, and you have made your final changes), you will reformat your manuscript to the appropriate publishing software, font, etc. - frequently with the assistance of a book designer.

Exceptions

​

Dissertations or Master's Theses being readied for publication are accepted.

However, any other academic papers or projects can not be submitted

until the course is completed.

​​

​

Questions? Click here.

bottom of page