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 a Word manuscript or a PDF of the manuscript
- Note - if I have edited your book, I subcontract this service, but I review.
- Bonus: reader feedback in the margins, if you so desire
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 the Final Polish is NOT -
The Final Polish is not an edit since it should not substantively alter the piece. Nor is it technically 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 self-publishing, however, do refer to the final read-through after the edit as a "proofread."
Q - Why is this service important?
A - 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 focus for only a limited time 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, who is also intimately familiar with your manuscript, do your final polish. So if I have been the primary editor, we need to bring fresh eyes to the manuscript, and I subcontract this service or outsource it to a trusted peer.
But because I'm the book friend you're trusting to accompany you on your journey to publication, I'll review the manuscript once more for good measure (and the time away from the manuscript will help me see it more clearly).
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, who is also intimately familiar with your manuscript, do your final polish. So if I have been the primary editor, we need to bring fresh eyes to the manuscript, and I subcontract this service or outsource it to a trusted peer.
But because I'm the book friend you're trusting to accompany you on your journey to publication, I'll review the manuscript once more for good measure (and the time away from the manuscript will help me see it more clearly).
Q - How much would this service cost?
I charge $10-20/1,000 words for a Final Polish of your manuscript. (See fee calculations for an explanation of how fees are reached.)
If your story needs a more substantive edit, check out my packaged services and save.
Need a friendly editor who'll help you get your story
all clean, classy, and ready to go out into the world?
Contact BFF Editing today!
all clean, classy, and ready to go out into the world?
Contact BFF Editing today!
“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
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