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Manuscript Editing
Every manuscript we work with receives an initial proofreading, both electronically (spell-check) and visually (human editorial reader) that usually reveals and corrects errors in spelling, punctuation and other basic criteria that must be met in order to make the conversion from manuscript to type. This service is included in the basic pre-production work flow and is offered at no charge once we begin the job for you; it is, however, not guaranteed to uncover all errors in the manuscript. Final responsibility for correctness and suitability always rests with the author of the work.
Please understand that proofreading is not editing in any real sense. It makes no effort to interpret the comprehensibility, readability, continuity or factual accuracy of any text or data in the manuscript, nor does it attempt in any way to improve upon the language, voicing, grammatical usage or relational continuity and consistency contained in the original manuscript.
However, if needed and requested, our editors can provide an objective yet creative inspection of your manuscript to polish your words without altering your literary style. Or they can go beyond this level and seek to improve every aspect of your manuscript. Selection of these levels of service, as outlined below, will depend upon discussions between designer and client. All such services are in addition to the proofreading services described above.
There are three distinct levels of editing, and we offer all three, as follows:
1. Basic editing-inspection for grammar/spelling/word selection and usage. Corrections, questions or suggestions will be noted and will be subject to author approval or rejection. Estimate: $8 to $10 per 1,000 words.
2. Comprehensive editing: All of the above, plus a review for flow of copy, consistency, reading ease and clarity of structure and usage, manuscript cohesion. Rewrites, deletions and/or recommendations will be transmitted to the author and will be subject to author approval, rejection or alteration. Estimate: $12 to $15 per 1,000 words.
3. Reference support: Cross checking of references within text, operability and currency of internet links, accuracy of citations, end notes and footnotes. Generally $75 per hour, as needed; must be requested by the author.
Our editors are fully qualified professionals with impressive references and credits, which they will gladly provide. We usually assign or recommend editors based upon their previous experience with similar materials, and our editors confer directly with authors throughout the editorial process.