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Editing Levels

Many people use the word "proofreading" to describe the act of going over another person's writing. But proofreading is a completely separate step from copyediting and comes after a document is in published form, when it is often more expensive to make changes. Copyediting, on the other hand, is an important step to take before publishing. To give you an idea of the level of copyediting your work might require, take a look at the following list.

Light Editing

Correct faulty spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Eliminate sexist usage (if requested), and query dated references

Standard Editing

Edit manuscript for correct and consistent style in spelling, punctuation, hyphenation, capitalization, and grammar
Check for consistency of numerals, abbreviations, alphabetical or numerical lists, and the use of italics
Edit to improve word choice, transitions, and overall fluency, and to ensure consistency of in-text citations and end-of-chapter references
Make certain art and text correspond
Ensure agreement of table of contents with headings in text
Ensure that headings within each chapter are parallel in construction, number, and frequency
Keep a thorough style sheet

Heavy Editing

In addition to services listed under light and regular editing, manuscript will be edited to eliminate wordiness, triteness, confusing statements, vague generalizations, and mixed metaphors
Ensure the coherence, logic, and organization of manuscript
Eliminate gaps, redundancies, jargon, and the use of the passive voice (if requested)
Make sure the tone and focus of the manuscript is consistent