Copy-editing Plus
This editorial service, which combines thorough copy-editing with just a touch of developmental support, is unique to my business. Copy-editing Plus is my most popular service, and it’s ideal for authors who want a compromise option between language-only copy-editing and intensive developmental editing.
In a straightforward copy-edit, I focus on language only; it’s beyond the remit of copy-editing to make developmental suggestions. At the other end of the spectrum, in a developmental edit I roll up my sleeves and work to develop all the other aspects of the book, like structure, pace, plot/content, characters, setting and tone. I devised Copy-editing Plus to bridge the gap between these two different services with a cost-effective package for authors.
In a straightforward copy-edit, I focus on language only; it’s beyond the remit of copy-editing to make developmental suggestions. At the other end of the spectrum, in a developmental edit I roll up my sleeves and work to develop all the other aspects of the book, like structure, pace, plot/content, characters, setting and tone. I devised Copy-editing Plus to bridge the gap between these two different services with a cost-effective package for authors.
Why commission Copy-editing Plus?
In a publishing house, a book goes through at least one round of developmental editing before copy-editing, followed by proofreading. Ideally, that is the process that all authors would follow in preparing a book for publication, to make it the best it can be.
However, for some authors it’s impractical to commission developmental editing for a book followed by copy-editing and then proofreading. Perhaps the budget won’t stretch that far. Perhaps the clock is ticking and there isn’t time for all those editorial stages. Perhaps the author doesn’t want rigorous developmental input, which can feel too invasive.
The obvious answer is to commission a copy-edit only and skip developmental editing entirely. But what if your book contains glaring developmental issues, the kind that reviewers will delight in pointing out? For example:
Your kindly copy editor may point out a major concern, but it’s beyond the scope of copy-editing to keep flagging up developmental issues. That’s where my Copy-editing Plus service comes in: thorough copy-editing plus a dash of developmental input, to cover both bases.
However, for some authors it’s impractical to commission developmental editing for a book followed by copy-editing and then proofreading. Perhaps the budget won’t stretch that far. Perhaps the clock is ticking and there isn’t time for all those editorial stages. Perhaps the author doesn’t want rigorous developmental input, which can feel too invasive.
The obvious answer is to commission a copy-edit only and skip developmental editing entirely. But what if your book contains glaring developmental issues, the kind that reviewers will delight in pointing out? For example:
- Your protagonist is from East London, but he speaks like he’s from Eton.
- In a history of World War I, you describe the Spitfire fighter aircraft.
- All of your chapters are short and punchy, except Chapter 5, which is epic.
- Your heroine has been stabbed and shot, but she’s able to run a mile.
- You describe a forty-five-year-old as an ‘old man’.
- Your hero has a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead and is called Harry.
Your kindly copy editor may point out a major concern, but it’s beyond the scope of copy-editing to keep flagging up developmental issues. That’s where my Copy-editing Plus service comes in: thorough copy-editing plus a dash of developmental input, to cover both bases.
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‘Charlie is a fantastic editor, the best one I’ve worked with. She has a strong attention to detail and has made my books so much better. Above all else, she is an editor I trust. Charlie is a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her.’
John Carson, Author |
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My Copy-editing Plus service
The service comprises:
The emphasis is on language editing, and so the edited manuscript I return is not covered in developmental comments. Still, there are lots of queries and suggestions to help you develop your book.
- Copy-editing: Thorough language polishing as per the description on my copy-editing page, to ensure the text reads well and is clear, consistent and accurate.
- Flagging major developmental issues: I comment on glaring issues that jump out at me as I copy-edit. For example, I may:
- Note that I find a plot element unrealistic
- Point out a flaw in your logic
- Draw your attention to a disorientating point-of-view shift
- Query your timeline
- Comment on your structuring
- Ask you to reconsider an argument
The emphasis is on language editing, and so the edited manuscript I return is not covered in developmental comments. Still, there are lots of queries and suggestions to help you develop your book.
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‘Charlie is an excellent editor. She is very thorough and creative. Charlie’s comments are always constructive. She is also a pleasure to work with. She is a personable, reliable and professional editor and I am delighted to recommend her.’
Michael Drayton, Author |
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What comes next?
After Copy-editing Plus, you will likely make some revisions to the manuscript in response to the developmental comments. If the changes are extensive, you may want to commission a copy-edit for the revised sections. Once the manuscript is finalised, it’s ready to be proofread (see my copy-editing page for more information on proofreading).