Book
and manuscript editing services: line editing, substantive editing, proofreading,
and formatting
If you're new to the editing process,
it can be a bit confusing, so we'll do our best to enlighten you.
First, what is editing? Simply put, editing is the process by which a document is systematically changed to properly (a) conform to a language (in this case, English), through correct use of syntax, punctuation, grammar, etc., and (b) flow, so that individual sentences don't sound like a collection of miscellaneous, unrelated phrases. Professional editors use defined manuals of style to accomplish the former (such as Chicago, APA, AMA, etc.), and their writing skills to achieve the latter. So, the question becomes, do I need a professional editor for my work?
If your work, be it a scientific manuscript, non-fiction book, or position document, is going to be widely read by people who make critical decisions with regard to its content, the answer is yes. If not, an office-mate or your best friend can be your "editor." We presume, however, that you are seeking the services of a professional editor at this point.
Perhaps, and unfortunately, almost anyone on the Internet can call him/herself a "professional" editor. Unlike, for example, eye surgeons or civil engineers, we don't have to be licensed to wield a red pen. That means you'll find tons of editors willing to edit your work for $1 or perhaps $2 a page, and while you can be lucky, you should be judicious in your selection.
Whether you choose us or another editor, take time to ask tough questions. Professional editors are more than willing to answer them. If an editor cannot tell you what style he/she is using to edit and why, for example, it's probably wise to keep looking. Ask if they will edit a sample page for free, so you can see how they operate--most pros will. If the editor feels that your work needs substantial editing (some rewriting) to be readable, discuss it.
So, let's move on to the details of the process.
Most unedited nonfiction work, manuscript, paper, or book, usually needs line editing. This process, in most cases, is all you will need (see below for what line editing covers). If you've had some work line edited, and added to it, or started polishing it prior to submission to a publisher, proofreading is probably all you'll need. Proofreading is not line editing, but a much-simplified version. Some books, especially textbooks and scientific papers might need additional formatting. If this is not covered by line editing, we will let you know.
We also offer a variety of other specialized editing services, which are listed below.
Please note: Line editing does not constitute major rewriting or basic formatting (such as paragraphing, indentation, page layout, etc.). If a document or manuscript needs substantial rewriting or formatting work, along with editing, it will cost more than indicated below. Please send us the work and we will price it for you.
We offer Chicago, APA, and AMA editing styles. Chicago style is suitable for many nonfiction works, while APA tends to be used for more scholarly publications, such as theses, manuscripts, and textbooks.
If you want to see how line editing works in general, please visit our Chicago Style Editing Demo Page. or our APA Style Editing Demo Page.
We are willing to provide free, sample, one-page line edit of a manuscript/document that is > 50 pages in length to demonstrate our abilities. Send the page as an e-mail attachment in MS Word. The document must be double-spaced and 12 pt font.
Cost
Our standard rates for medical manuscripts in 12 pt font with double-spaced
format and electronic file editing in APA or AMA style, including formatting,
run to $15-20 per page. The cost of editing/reformatting of tables, reference
lists, etc., depends on the style and content. Substantive editing, which
involves major rewriting, runs typically $15-25 per page, depending on style.
(We will always confirm an exact price after seeing the work.)
Line editing
Line editing includes grammar, syntax, punctuation,
subject-verb agreement, parallelisms, spelling, phraseology and minor rewriting
for flow. It can include extensive line indenting, paragraphing, or other
formatting.
Proofreading
Proofreading includes typos, punctuation, grammar,
subject-verb agreement, spelling and minor format errors. It does not include
rewriting, substantial editing, or major reformatting. Work cannot be proofread
unless it has been line edited at some point in its history!
Procedures and payment
When you're ready to submit, either send your file(s) as an e-mail attachment,
or via a CD/flash drive if it is a very large file. Our preferred file format
is MS Word. With MS Word, we can use the tracking feature if you wish, so
you can see what has been changed.
We generally require a 50% deposit with the balance upon completion for projects above $1,000 in value. For repeat customers we offer more flexible invoicing procedures. Our minimum charge for first-time clients is $50.00, which is waived for repeat clients.
For small projects (typically less than 50 pages) we offer full editing of any style/formatted pages at $7.50 to $15.00 per page--electronic file correction--depending on font, pt size and content. Please send us the work so that we can price it for you.
For large projects (more than 50 pages), we will negotiate a fixed price, once the content/volume is known. Please send us the work as an electronic file (MS Word) so that we can price it for you.
We will normally return the material as a corrected electronic file, unless you indicate other arrangements. Electronic copies of the materials are kept to permit any follow-up questions, free of charge. Turnaround time depends on number of words or pages to be edited--for example, a 300-page, double-spaced manuscript can usually be edited in 2-3 weeks.
Some documents need major formatting before we can edit electronic files.
Examples:
•Text callouts and captioning of photos, figures, illustrations, etc.
•Extensive reorganization of sections/chapters, etc.
•Interviews; extensive excerpted material from publications
•Poorly organized citations and bibliographies.
We will make special charges for these items, in addition to normal editing charges if we are making corrections to an electronic file.
For some people, editing is like a black box, and although this web page is straightforward with regard to services available, if it sounds too complicated, or you're not sure what you really need, e-mail us, or pick up the phone, and we will help you out.
Strategic Solutions, Inc. works under the regulations of an incorporated business. For large projects, legal, binding contracts offer our clients protection and peace of mind.
Terms for large corporate contracts regarding editing are negotiable.
