EDITING
What is editing? Fundamentally, editing is rewriting or correcting errors on existing documents. Ask any editor how many stages of editing are out there and you will likely get answers ranging from four basic stages to 10 or more detailed stages. To further muddy the waters, many editors will group several stages of editing into one service and generically refer to the service as “Editing” on their Services menu. Guilty! That’s why it is critical that you and I agree on the type of service your project requires, and that you aren’t asking me to edit when you actually want me to proofread for you. Not sure which service is right for you? See below for brief descriptions.
What does JC3 offer? Proofreading, copy editing, line editing, and developmental editing for businesses and individuals. I edit and proofread all types, lengths, formats, and styles of non-fiction content, including marketing materials, business documents, reports, websites, social content, articles, essays, presentations, manuals, manuscripts, and books. I have edited many projects, so if you don’t see your project on this list, ask me!
We all need a second set of eyes on our writing. Even established editors have someone review their work. Why? Because it’s nearly impossible to be objective about your own work. When you read and reread your work, your brain automatically fills in what you anticipate on the final version. And, while software grammar and spellcheck functions are amazing, they don’t always catch missing commas, misplaced hyphens, misspelled industry words, and the misuse of words like its/it’s, to/too/two, tough/though/through, or using “the” when you meant “they”.
Below are brief descriptions of the types of editing I provide:
Proofreading
“Don’t rewrite my stuff!” editing
Proofreading should be the final stage of editing before you go to print/publish. Proofreading involves editing for any missed surface errors such as typos, spacing issues, double/missed words, grammar, spelling, and sometimes formatting. As this is the final stage of editing, I generally do not provide suggestions for rewording or reorganizing.
Copy editing
“Is this right?” editing
Copy Editing involves checking for flow, style, intended audience, grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and consistency.
Line editing
“Read the lines (and between them!)” editing
Line Editing involves reviewing your writing sentence by sentence. I will focus on sentence structure, word choice, deleting unnecessary sentences/paragraphs, improving voice and dialogue.
Developmental editing (content, structural, organizational)
“Big-Picture” editing
Developmental Editing can mean different things to different people. Depending on the client, the project, and the timeline, it will take on different meanings for me as well. Creative writing generally includes elements such as character development, plot, pacing, point of view, and dialogue. Business writing generally emphasizes clarity of your message, subject matter, and reaching your intended audience.
I look forward to editing for you and supporting your SUCCESS!
Check out JC3’s other Services!