Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a copy-edit, a line edit and a proofread? What do I offer?
A copy-edit focuses on technical aspects like grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A line edit improves styles, consistency, flow, clarity, and sentence-level detail. A line edit will typically happen before a copy-edit. I will add a bit of line editing in my copy-edits, but for more detailed line editing, communication before I start working on your manuscript is key. The proofread is the final stage before your book goes to physical printing (or e-book). For proofreading, I will only be highlighting typographical aspects (but not changing them) and formatting (titles, orphans, etc.). This is the final stage before hitting that send button, and I don't recommend having the same person edit and proofread your manuscript. To determine what type of editing is best suited for your manuscript, contact me.
How do you know if my manuscript is ready for professional editing?
So, you've finished your first draft. What now? I recommend one round of self-editing, but I offer copy-editing services for manuscripts that need more heavy editing. Keep in mind, if your manuscript needs more heavy editing, it will have a longer turnaround time.
Why should you hire a professional editor? Can you edit your novel yourself?
We are in the DIY era, and while you might be tempted to edit your manuscript for self-publishing yourself or use editing software, you are often too close to your work to spot the minor details as you fill in the blanks. Editors are not merely fancy spell checkers, but act as a "fresh pair of eyes" to spot awkward sentence flow, inconsistencies, and work with context clues rather than blindly fix your spelling like a computer! I am here to help get the best out of your story, while maintaining your voice.
How long will a typical edit take?
For shorter works like short stories or novellas, it will only have a turnaround time of 5–7 working days. For full-length novels of 60k+ words, allow a few weeks.
How much do I change? Will it still represent your story?
I am not aiming to change anything in your story, and I do my best to maintain your voice while improving the flow. I only want to help you tell your story in the best way possible.
What file format do I accept and what do you need to prepare?
For line and copy-editing, I exclusively work with Microsoft Word documents, and for proofreading, I can work with either Microsoft Word or PDF documents.