If you’ve been trying to find an editor or proofreader, you might have come across various terms such as developmental editor, substantive editor, copyeditor and/or proofreader.

I get involved at either the copyediting stage or the proofreading stage, depending on your requirements. Most importantly, I’m a non-fiction editor and proofreader and I’m listed in the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading’s directory of editorial services. Find out more by visiting www.ciep.org. 

If you’re in need of a fiction editor, however, the CIEP directory is still the place to look.

Copyediting

As well as checking that spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct, a copyeditor will look at style, for example headers, layout and font, and will ensure clarity and consistency within the text. A copyeditor can suggest simpler ways of writing a sentence also. If needed, they can create a style sheet for you for future reference and to guide the proofreader.

Proofreading

Proofreading is carried out towards the end of the writing process, just before publication, and the aim is to catch any last-minute errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as checking that the style decided upon by yourself or the editor has been followed correctly. A proofreader will also check any cross-references, headers and footers, footnotes, word breaks and so on.

If you aren’t sure about which of the editing services you need, just get in touch and we can discuss further. 

View my testimonials.

For more information, advice or a quote,  contact me at dianne@editingeye.co.uk