Q - What is a Copy Cleanup?
A - A Copy Cleanup is an edit focusing on conventions - tightening grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, and other mechanical issues (sometimes called copy editing).
It includes:
It includes:
- multiple rounds (2 minimum) of edits with Track Changes (minimal explanations or commentary)
- simple style sheet detailing word and style choices, lists of characters, and world elements in an expandable format, shared on Google Docs
- spot check and cleanup
Q - Who might benefit from a Copy Cleanup?
A - I envision this service helping:
- an experienced author with a story that is developmentally solid.
- an author who's already hired me to do an Alpha or Beta service on their manuscript (i.e. I'm already familiar with their style and the world they've built).
Q - What does it look like?
A - In the first round of edits, I focus on conventions and mechanical issues. The author makes corrections and adjustments as they see fit and sends it back for a second round.
During the second round of edits, I create a basic style sheet and read through the whole story again to catch mechanical issues that may have been missed or introduced (not a proofread).
During the second round of edits, I create a basic style sheet and read through the whole story again to catch mechanical issues that may have been missed or introduced (not a proofread).
Mechanical Edit - ensuring correctness of basic conventions such as:
- grammar
- spelling
- punctuation
- sentence structure
- syntax
- vocabulary
- symmetry
- other mechanics of style
Q - How much would this service cost?
I charge $20-30/1,000 words for my Copy Cleanup of your manuscript. (See fee calculations for an explanation of how fees are reached.)
If your story needs substantive as well as mechanical edits, check out my packaged services and save.
Do you need an editor who'll polish your story
with respect, consideration, and care?
Contact BFF Editing today!
with respect, consideration, and care?
Contact BFF Editing today!
NOTE - A plea to authors: whenever possible, send fully edited stories to your ARC readers.
Everyone's experience will be better if you plan ahead and don't rush the process. When calculating your timing for things, ARC readers should get at least a week (2-3 is better) to read the book. And your proofreader needs at least a week (2-3 is better) after that.
If you are asking your ARC team to write a fair and honest review of your story, you want them to be reading (and enjoying) the edited copy. It is not the fans' job (nor are they likely trained) to provide authors with lists of typos they've found. Don't put them in the awkward position of having to come to you with a list of editing issues (if they are generous with their time) or of writing a bad review (if they are scrupulously honest and thinking of the future reading enjoyment of others).
Be a good Book Friend and put your best work out there for all the world to read, beginning with your loyal Support Stars.
If you are asking your ARC team to write a fair and honest review of your story, you want them to be reading (and enjoying) the edited copy. It is not the fans' job (nor are they likely trained) to provide authors with lists of typos they've found. Don't put them in the awkward position of having to come to you with a list of editing issues (if they are generous with their time) or of writing a bad review (if they are scrupulously honest and thinking of the future reading enjoyment of others).
Be a good Book Friend and put your best work out there for all the world to read, beginning with your loyal Support Stars.
“Kate is thorough and clearly explains the reasons behind her proposed changes. As a non-native English speaker, I love that she takes the time to teach me the subtleties that sometimes elude me in grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and even idioms. She handles your book, and your voice as an author, with the utmost respect.”
-Author Regine Abel, USA Today Bestselling Author
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