What is the difference between a copy editor and an editor?

Copy editing is a specific edit that happens once a manuscript is finished. This means that all substantial editing (i.e., structural issues, character development, story arc, etc.) is done before the copy edit.

There are actually various types of editors, but the main ones to help you at this moment would be: Developmental editors, who help writers with their book’s structure and audience, and fact-checking editors, who make sure all concrete details (dates, names, titles, etc.) are correct and legitimate. Copy editors, including myself, also do some light fact-checking, depending on how heavy the need is for this. I go into more details below, as well as on my Services page, regarding a copy editor’s job. Proofreading is only done after your book is fully copy edited and laid out by the designer, right before it goes to print.

Once your manuscript’s loose ends are tied up, it is time for the copy edit to make sure everything is in its place before submission. This is a magical moment!

A few things I do for you as your copy editor:

• Refine your finished manuscript by combing through it for errors and offering suggestions for quick adjustments before you reach out to literary agents or for self-publication. I cannot stress enough: Do not submit your manuscript without having it copy edited first! It will look professional, and your agents will know you’ve put in the right kind of work before submitting.

• Align a manuscript fully to the 18th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS), from page format to comma usage to spelling preferences.

• Ensure all of the details you’ve worked so hard to include in your book match up in the text and that your book is cohesive. If it’s not, I will flag this for you to look at for adjustments.

• Offer lots of helpful comments in the margin via the Track Changes feature in Word. These include questions I may have about your text, reasons why I enjoy your writing style, suggestions for word choices or consistency, explanations for CMoS rules, etc.

You offer a copy edit or a line edit—which do I need?

Some writers just need some tweaks and corrections to grammar and usage and are good to go. However, I would say most manuscripts fall into the line editing zone, unless you have already had your book edited or have been working with the text for a very long time. (And I mean edited by a professional; friends and family mean well, and their input is absolutely beneficial, but they are most likely not trained editors and may even innocently introduce errors into the book.)

Some manuscripts may need a line edit and then a copy edit after large changes are made. It just depends on your needs, preferences, budget, and timeline. Send me a message; we can discuss your needs and find a solution that works best for you!

How long does copy editing take? When can I expect my document to be returned?

It depends on the document: its length and level of editing needed. Generally, it takes two to three weeks for a project to be returned to you with edits, but it also depends on my calendar and how many projects I’m currently working on.

Please reach out to me as soon as possible to secure a spot within the month and get you on my schedule. The earlier you can approach me about your work, the better. Some authors like to “secure” a spot in the near future to act as a sort of deadline for their writing. We can do that!

We will agree on a specific return date once we touch base about your project.

What is the general cost of one full edit?

The cost of a copy edit depends on several factors, including the length of your document and what changes need to be made. This could include checking grammar, punctuation, usage, capitalization, reformatting, basic fact-checking, and consistent details (e.g., your character has blue eyes on page 5, but brown eyes on page 50), etc.

I will need to look at your project in full prior to giving you an estimate, but it is roughly $40 an hour for a basic copy edit. After surveying your manuscript, I will send you an estimate for how many hours it will take me to edit it thoroughly, including your concerns.

I just finished my manuscript, and I’ve never had anything edited before. I am wondering how overwhelming the edits may be when I see them? Can I disagree with you or ask questions?

How exciting! Congratulations on all of the work you have put into your project. You have reached a huge milestone.

Editing should not equal overwhelming. It’s a relief to receive honest, helpful feedback when we need it! My job is not to turn your writing red with corrections; my job is to come alongside you and be useful to you, and I take great care in being friendly, approachable, and considerate in my edits.

I can answer questions you may have about your work and help you solve some of the typical issues writers have that can happen during the writing process. We’ve all been there!

I am here to make your work look its best and will do so with respect and professionalism. I use Track Changes in Microsoft Word for all edits. When I have returned your document to you, you will ultimately decide which items to correct, and I am happy to discuss any questions you may have about my editing choices.

How does payment work?

I can receive payments via Venmo or Zelle. Payments are as follows:

(1) Half of your payment is required as I begin editing (this secures your deadlines on my calendar).
(2) The final amount remaining is due when your document has been returned to you.

We will agree on the final amount before any work is done.

I look forward to hearing from you! Please message me with any questions you have here.