What the Final Polish is -
To avoid confusion, BFF Editing has chosen to refer to the post editing, fine-tooth-comb read-through of a manuscript as a “final polish” rather than a “proofread.”
It includes:
The Final Polish makes your work all shiny for your readers, catching and correcting overlooked issues that have managed to slip through the rigorous scrutiny of the other stages, such as:
It includes:
- 2-3 passes through the manuscript
- inline correction
- Bonus: reader feedback in margins
The Final Polish makes your work all shiny for your readers, catching and correcting overlooked issues that have managed to slip through the rigorous scrutiny of the other stages, such as:
- typos
- formatting
- homonyms
- punctuation
- grammar
- subject/verb agreement
What it is not -
The Final Polish is not technically an edit since it should not substantively alter the piece. Nor is it a proofread in the formal, publishing industry understanding of that term (comparing the proofs, or printed versions of the manuscript with the last edited version to make sure no errors have been introduced during formatting or printing). Many in e-book publishing, however, do refer to the final read-through after the edit as a “proofread.”
Why is this service important?
This is a crucial step in making your book look professional and ready for readers. You might think this is a pretty simple task. But it is exacting work that takes time, concentration, and multiple passes. Humans can only focus for so long with that degree of intensity.
Because the human brain can trick itself, especially when it’s familiar with a piece - seeing what it expects rather than what’s truly printed on the page - it is nearly impossible to manage the necessary distance for your own work. Nor is it recommended to have your editor do your final polish. So, to brings fresh eyes to the manuscript, I subcontract this service or outsource it to a trusted peer if I have been the primary editor.
Then I go through the manuscript once more.
Because the human brain can trick itself, especially when it’s familiar with a piece - seeing what it expects rather than what’s truly printed on the page - it is nearly impossible to manage the necessary distance for your own work. Nor is it recommended to have your editor do your final polish. So, to brings fresh eyes to the manuscript, I subcontract this service or outsource it to a trusted peer if I have been the primary editor.
Then I go through the manuscript once more.
Contact me to discuss how we can get your story all clean and classy with a Final Polish before sending it out into the world.
NOTE - A Plea to Indie 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 fan's job 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 fan's job 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.
“With BFF Editing Services . . . I feel like my book was thoroughly edited and errors were found that I otherwise missed . . . It was a stress-free experience with a very friendly editor. I would wholeheartedly recommend BFF Editing.”
-Author Grace Risata
