Editing
Today’s publishers are looking for polished manuscripts. Readers also expect self-published books to be edited. Hiring a professional editor is an important step in the publishing process.
There are different levels of editing:
Substantive or developmental editing
This is big-picture editing. It involves reorganizing a manuscript for content and structure. Does it all fit together into a coherent whole? Are there plot holes that need to be fixed?
Substantive editing does not include correcting grammar, spelling, or word usage.
Copyediting
Copyediting focuses on grammar, word usage, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics of style. It also involves checking for consistency of mechanics and for consistency of facts. For example, does all dialogue have opening and closing quotation marks? Does a character have blue eyes on page 41 and brown eyes on page 87?
Proofreading
This is the final stage of reviewing material. At this point the manuscript has been edited and formatted so only minor changes can be made, such as correcting spelling mistakes. Proofreaders also check for adherence to design. For example, is the page numbering correct? Are all graphs labelled?
I specialize in copyediting and proofreading novels, memoirs, and business writing, including website content.
Here’s what some of my clients say:
“I worked with Rhonda when I was under a tight deadline. She made herself available and was prompt, efficient, and professional. She is intuitive and takes the time to understand the work to ensure that her recommendations align with the voice and style of the text. She is calm, kind, and full of encouragement. Her wisdom, experience, and love of words show in all that she does. Rhonda is a total pleasure to work with!”
“I have worked with Rhonda for many years. She is a superb editor who can identify the writer’s voice, which is fundamental in a writer’s world. She is efficient, always meets a deadline, and is a great friend. I’d recommend her to anyone! ”
“I was lucky to get Rhonda as my editor for my self-published memoir, ‘A Twisted Fate: My Life with Dystonia’. She has a great eye for syntax, punctuation, and grammar. I was very confident as I sent my manuscript off to be published.”