Copy Editing

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What is Copy Editing (CE)?

Commonly referred to as a CE, copy editing deals with grammar and style.

Grammar and style reviews address typical grammatical errors as well as setting styles that address types of writing -- usually this is driven by Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), and converts raw text to publishing expectations.

Grammatical Errors

Grammatical errors include, but are not limited to: spelling, punctuation, sentence construction errors like dangling modifiers, capitalization errors, and so forth.  The things your English teacher harped on.

Using Track Changes, so that you're aware of any corrections, I review and correct these issues. I will perform minor suggestions if there are clunky sentences, and if I feel that the correction needs explanation, I'll comment on why I made the change.

Style & Consistency

Style addresses things such as: How are internal thoughts set in typography?  Are we following British or American English? How does CMOS set a.m. and p.m.

Consistency addresses things like: random character eye color changes, description of items/areas/setting, the spelling of the super-nifty magical item; author-established or real world-established facts.  It also addresses things like "When this line is remembered, is it remembered the same way it was initially presented."

When and What?

When --

A copy edit should only be performed once all story edits are completed. Changes in story after a CE would demand that new text, modified text, sections that have had text deleted need to be re-copy edited.

What --

You receive three documents when the CE is completed: the edited manuscript, a proper names document, and a style guide that logs the established styles.

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  • National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
    Claire's insights into my novel helped me identify areas needing improvement--what was working, and what wasn't--allowing me to polish my novel and take it to the next level. Knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.
    National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
  • Derek R.
    Claire was a breath of fresh air, giving me honest, unvarnished -- but very constructive -- feedback! I'm confident I'll be able to make the project better because of her work :)
    Derek R.
  • Dan M.
    She takes the effort to guide the writer through the process and produces high-quality work. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended!
    Dan M.
  • Michael B.
    In every project we've worked on together, she has consistently shown professionalism, efficiency, and patience;-) Most importantly, she is very detail-oriented, which is crucial for me.
    Michael B.
  • Saima I
    Her insights into narrative structure and character development were invaluable, enhancing my manuscript while respecting my original vision.
    Saima I
  • Steve M
    Claire was great to work with. She has a positive attitude and communication style. She also has an amazing eye for detail. Thanks, Claire!
    Steve M
  • Deborah W.
    Claire is fantastic. VERY supportive and helpful. Working with her has helped me become a much better writer.
    Deborah W.
  • Katrina C.
    Claire was wonderful to work with and made my first experience with this sort of thing a breeze. I feel like I have learned so much through working with her!
    Katrina C.
  • Mark M
    Her critique was constructive and encouraging, and she clearly has the background to address problems at both technical and developmental levels.
    Mark M
  • Adrena J
    Very detailed in her feed back. Gave examples for me to follow to improve my novel.
    Adrena J
  • Alexa C
    Claire is friendly, communicative and efficient. I also appreciated that my voice/style of writing wasn't altered in the editing process.
    Alexa C
  • Abby G
    Claire gave me a very helpful, constructive critique. I appreciate her encouragement and wisdom when it comes to writing scenes that move the story forward.
    Abby G
  • Kendall M
    Claire was great to work with. She is thorough in her approach, responsive, and professional. She exceeded my expectations!
    Kendall M
  • Deena B.
    Working with Claire was just what I needed. She manages to mix a perfect blend of encouragement and feedback in her editing.
    Deena B.
  • Chris B.
    She truly goes above and beyond the call of duty, not to mention a very thorough copy edit.
    Chris B.
  • Lamar G.
    Hire Claire immediately if you want someone who will challenge you and bring the best out of you and your story. She's amazing.
    Lamar G.
  • Sheila B.
    Claire's work is phenomenal! You will receive quality editorial services and supreme kindness! Her professionalism is excellent, and her turnaround time is surprisingly quick.
    Sheila B.
  • Angela S.
    I found her very easy to communicate with, and her project turnaround time was unreal!
    Angela S.
  • Patrick C.
    Claire, you did a great job copy editing a massive and complicated science fiction novel for me, and you did it under an insane deadline with grace and aplomb.
    Patrick C.
  • Nathan A.
    She was prompt and professional. Her speed also allowed me to move my release time table up significantly which is a huge bonus!
    Nathan A.
  • Denise B.
    She submitted a very thorough editorial letter with excellent suggestions of how I could improve my overall story, character building, themes, and even did some copy editing. She is well-versed with what the industry is looking for, and as a new author, I greatly needed this education.
    Denise B.
  • Ada A.
    Claire made me feel at ease the minute I started working with her. She is exceedingly refreshing, professional and encouraging to be around and I am so looking forward to working with her again in the future!
    Ada A.
  • Diana M.
    Not only a thorough developmental review, but a long editorial letter filled with teaching moments. Her work has already improved my writing style and should power my book to the next phase.
    Diana M.