1. What is a copy editor? Freelance copy editors review all types of written materials for style consistency, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  

Copy editors also mark content that is unclear and review tables of contents, bibliographies, headings, captions for pictures, tables, and graphs, rewrite when hired to do so, and analyze the entire manuscript to ensure that the intended audience---the reader---will not be confused or bored. 

Most copy editors use the publishing industry's standard style guidelines, such as Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), the Associated Press Stylebook (AP), or the American Medical Association (AMA) Style Manual. Or, if hired to do so, copy editors are qualified to develop a specific style sheet for that particular client. 

2. What does a developmental editor do? If an author needs an editor who will work one on one to develop the manuscript or documentation from startup to completion, the author needs a developmental editor, not a copy editor. Most developmental editors work in-house at publishing firms or in marketing departments of large corporations. Developmental editors are usually involved in the entire production process and, if working for an independent author, will charge hourly rates based on the subject matter and tasks required. 

3. What is a proofreader? Proofreaders review copyedited manuscripts, documents, or Web sites for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and layout. Proofers are sometimes called the "Third Eye," which means we are the third person to review a document.

Proofreaders are hired after the copy editor has checked the work, the author (or managing/production/ developmental editor) has incorporated the changes, and the document is ready to go to press or "live" online. 

At one time, proofreaders compared copyedited documents side-by-side to the typeset document to ensure accuracy after copyediting changes had been entered by the production team, but today this process is often eliminated because of deadline constraints. However, the human eye of the proofreader is still necessary to ensure a totally error-free document.

4. The latest trend -- editorial proofreaders. Editorial proofreaders will combine copyediting and proofreading tasks, and charge according to the particular needs of the client. For example, if the author or company needs someone to check grammar and consistency of style and perform minor rewriting, an editorial proofreader is qualified to perform all of these tasks, and will usually charge a fee according to the tasks performed. 

         Do you have a specific question? Just click on the e-mail address below and we will try to respond within 24 hours. We are here to help you!
 
 

phm@writewordinc.com

Back to:

HOME / PROFILE / SERVICES / CONTACT US

Keep writing!