Copyediting

When you receive an author's text, you can only glean a little from an at-a-glance check (which is likely all you have time for in a busy working week). Before the text is sent to the typesetter, you need to know that all of the thorny problems have been uncovered and properly dealt with.

The answer is to choose a copyeditor who knows how to:

• interrogate the structure of the text to make sure it is navigable
• apply tags or styles to make the text comply with your design schema
• identify and fix layout problems and validate the page plan
• highlight third-party material for which permission will need to be sought
• alert you to content that might alienate your readers or expose you to legal risks
• certify that your readers will understand every point that the author has made
• read every sentence carefully for mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation
• make style adjustments to achieve consistency with your house style rules
• prepare crystal-clear artwork briefs and lists for your artists
• adjust tables so that your readers can easily locate and interpret them
• check that your citations and bibliography correspond with each other
• raise respectful, clear and concise queries to fully resolve any remaining issues
• communicate professionally and politely at all stages.

Ready to discuss your project?

Get in touch to talk through your schedule, budget and requirements.